Made In The Image of God

https://odb.org/MY/2022/05/22/something-deep-and-binding

The fundamental difference between us humans and other living beings on earth is that we have reasoning power and a will. That’s the intellect part. And yet emotionally we are also different as animals although they too experience emotions, are driven by instinct while we may act based on our emotions rather than intellect. Thus we follow our heart instead of our head when it comes to God, to love and things of beauty and marvel. Some of our actions and decisions are irrational as they are driven by our emotions. That is why we must never discount the power of words and tone when dealing with people. The more polite and respectful we are and the softer our tone especially when faced with hostility, the better will things likely turn out. The fact that we are emotional beings also means that we may be swayed by a compelling sob story although it may actually be just a tall tale.

As Christians and thus people who are acquinted with God’s Word, we know that the difference between us and other living things here on earth lies in the fact that we were created in the image of God. That explains why we have the intellect as well as the emotional dimension in decision making as the other fundamental difference we have with other living creatures who are driven by instinct is the will. We may decide not to live for emotional reasons but an animal will be instinctively driven to survive no matter what. Or we may be driven to sacrifice our lives or our own self interest for others which wild animals will not but domesticated ones may still do perhaps having trained to do so by humans.

Of course as Christians we also know that the other fundamental difference between us and other living creatures is that we are spiritual beings like God since we are made in His image. As much as we are physical beings of flesh and blood, we have a soul that lives forever.

The message today I believe is that as much as God tells us that we have been created in His image and thus we have intellect, emotions and a will and as much as we are flesh and blood, we are spiritual beings with a soul – therefore, use the most important distinction we have wisely. Ultimately, man have the will to decide whether to follow God or to go his own way. Use our will wisely in all aspects of our lives. Always decide in the best interests of God and His kingdom. Always put the interests of others first above our own. When we exercise our intellect and emotions in that manner, we will never be far from the will of God and thus will be assured of a good ending. If we do our best for God and for others, we will never go wrong.