Tag: Imago Dei

Seeing God in the People Around You

The Bible sometimes is so radical that it’s hard to believe. I mean the very first few chapters of the Bible reveal some truth’s that are so amazing they are hard to believe. Today I want to draw your attention to one verse that changes how I see everyday people around me.

Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves.’” Humanity is somehow made in the image of God. Each person, because they are a person, has somehow a part of the very image of God. I know that in some situations, with some people, and with so much of the brokenness around us, that it is hard to see sometimes. But this is the radical truth of the Bible, that each person is made in God’s image. Sometimes we choose not to demonstrate, reveal, or act in accordance with that image but that doesn’t change the truth. We are all made in God’s image.

This changes how I see people, because I have to be open to seeing God’s image in them. So when I am struggling to see God in a person, a situation, or a circumstance; when my anger, hurt, or pain rises and I have that temptation to reject, exclude, or simply ignore someone, you know what I try to do now?  I try to look harder.

I look harder, I look deeper, and I look longer. Yes, it is hard and sometimes with some people I really struggle to see the image of God in their life, actions, and words. But the point isn’t whether I struggle to see it. The point is whether or not the Bible is true. And if the Bible is true, like I believe, then I have to believe that each person that walks by me is made in the image of God. Each time I make eye contact with someone the image of God is in that person. And this should change how we see each and every person around us. This means that we need to treat everyone with respect, dignity, and worth, but it goes much beyond that. It means if we look hard enough each person might just reveal a bit of the image of God to us. And that is worth finding…

So the next time you are tempted to reject someone, exclude them, or simply ignore someone who is different…remember we are all made in the image of God…and maybe it’d be worth taking a second look their way…

by Andrew Mills

Hope, Humanity, and Haircuts

Some people are simply put, beautiful people. They are warm, caring, funny, quirky, insightful, and when you are around them you smile. It’s as if something about them seems alive, and gives you life too. Or better put some people pull good things out of you: good stories, good conversations, good connections, and a good time.

My hairdresser is one of these people. She is awesome. Not only can she cut hair, which she does amazingly, but the whole time is fun. I feel better for having seen her and talked with her. For most appointments I have whether its the bank, dentist, or optometrist I have a sense of apprehension. I don’t like going, I delay it and put it off. She’s different, and I actually like getting my hair cut.

The bible says that we’re all made in God’s image. That humanity has been marked by God, and that everyone has the chance to reveal God. Some people do this through their everyday simple interactions, in how they laugh, care, and smile. I see this a lot in my hairdresser, and its easy to see.

The question is do people see God in you?

Are you someone who gives life to others, who through grace pulls good things out of them, who makes people feel better for having known and connected with you? Do you reveal the God who is about love, life, and grace to others? And maybe it’s not hard to do if we’re just intentional. We’re already made in his image, we just need to decide to reveal it.

So today reveal God’s image, and person by how you act. Show grace, love, and life to others.

And maybe go get your hair cut…

by Andrew Mills