IN HIS IMAGE (Women’s Devotional)

The 2020 International Day of Women was celebrated globally under the theme Generation Equality # Equal for Equal

As an international fellowship in the ICOC, we chose the theme #In His Image. This devotional will remind us of God’s creation of mankind and His perfect design by creating us in His image.

Genesis 1:26 -27 “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”  The scripture shows us that men and women are created equally in God’s image.

What does it mean to be made in God’s image?

–          We all bear a resemblance to Him.

–          He breathed life into us

–          We have His very essence, His character traits and attributes

–          God requires us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24, 2Corinthians 5:7)

Mankind was created in glory and honor (Hebrews 2:6-9). God was in communion with man and woman until they sinned through disobedience.

• Sin degraded humankind and brought us low. We lost our glory as sin strengthened our flesh and weakened our spirits. We now face the constant struggle over the desires of the flesh.
• With our moral purity distorted, the lines between right and wrong are often unclear unless we remain alert.
• Our intellect is polluted by popular ideas, which sound great until they are viewed in the light of the Bible.
• We have given our attention to the idea of our importance, rather than the importance of God. We hang our self-worth on things that do not matter in the long run
• What are some things you base your self-esteem on?

Points to ponder:

• Social and traditional media tells you to look inside yourself and find your value. The only way to find your true value is to look to God.
• Movies, magazines and TV shows, set unrealistic expectations for self-image. We must be careful not to base our views of ourselves and others on external values such as the perfect figure, flawless skin etc.
• Do not be misled to believe that your value increases as your stamina, intelligence or finances grow. While these may have some good, they do not determine your worth in the eyes of God.
• In the same way, it is important to put our religious activities into proper perspective, by understanding what is of value in the eyes of God. We must remember that God looks at our hearts to determine our worth (1Samuel 15:22, 16:7). We must remain pure in heart (Matthew 5:8) and practice pure religion (James 1:27)
• The only thing that gives any of us any value is the essence of God in us. We are made in His image.
• Sin makes the image of God in us difficult to see, but with the guidance of God’s Spirit, we can polish it up and get it shining through again.
• God does not give up on anyone. Even at this moment, He is creating and re-creating people in His Image, to bear His likeness and reflect His glory.

        “We…are being transformed into His Image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2Corinthians 3:18

“You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10

If you have fallen short of living in His Image, you can turn and find your way back to God. He is still there, right where you left him. Turn back to God so that he can continue the refining process in your life. Just as we polish silver in order to restore the shine, God refines us, in order for us to be transformed into His image.

God cherishes you because you bear a resemblance to Him. You will only experience true satisfaction when you engage in your role as an image-bearer of God. Such was the view of King David: “As for me, I will see your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied when I awake in your likeness” (Psalm 17:15 NKJV).

Identify the things (habits, thoughts, life choices and sins) that have held you back from enjoying the fullness of life in His image, and call your heart back to God. May we individually experience the joy of being created in His Image and enjoy the satisfaction of allowing His Image to shine through us. Amen.

Notes to the editor’s

This devotional lesson was written by Angela Ege and edited by me, Rolayo Ogbonnaya.  Angela is a disciple in the Lagos church and this devotional lesson is being shared with her knowledge and approval.