3. MY WORTH AS A HUMAN BEING IS FOUNDED ON THE REALITY THAT I HAVE BEEN CREATED, UNLIKE ANY OTHER LIVING THING, "IN THE IMAGE OF GOD."
(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.)
WHAT DO YOU THINK IT MEANS TO BE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD?
WHEN GOD SEES YOU, WHAT DOES HE SEE?
WHEN ADAM AND EVE, AND ALL THE REST OF US, SINNED, DID WE BECOME LESS VALUABLE?
WHAT BEAUTY DO YOU POSSESS THAT REFLECTS GOD'S IMAGE?
Perhaps it is natural for us to use comparison to feel worthy. If we can find something about ourselves that seems better than another, it can make us feel good or valued. It is true that God created each person uniquely, with gifts and attributes that distinguish them from others. But it is not the differences between us that create our value. Rather, it is how we are different from all the rest of God's creation that can help us see our worth.
The universe displays a uniquely balanced solar system. The earth, with its varied landscapes, climates, geologic formations, plants, and animals, all point to an amazing Creator. As we learn more and more about this universe, it causes us to stand in awe of how complex and beautiful it really is. But the qualities and attributes of humanity surpass the physical qualities of the rest of creation.
To see these qualities, we must look beyond the physical way that humanity is created. What follows are just some of the ways that humanity is uniquely created, and some of the abilities or capacities that humans possess.
Relational capacity. Humans have the unique capacity to hold relationships with others. Unlike other created things, we can give and receive, listen and share, live sacrificially, and mature relationally.
Emotional capacity. Unlike plants and animals, humans have emotions: joy and sadness, guilt, shame, and freedom, peace and conflict.
Reflective capacity. Humans possess the unique capacity to step outside of themselves and observe themselves. Additionally, we can reflect inwardly, noticing our desires, emotions, thoughts, and memories. Imagination, reflecting on something that is beyond us, is also part of this reflective capacity.
Creative capacity. Not only do humans have the unique capacity to imagine, but we can also create. Creativity exists in nearly every part of our lives. It isn't limited to artists, architects, and musicians. Creativity thrives in the simple everyday actions of ordinary people. Making a meal, decorating a house, creating a product as part of work, gardening, birthing, and so much more. Children create in the way they play, making up games and imaginary friends. Perhaps more than any other capacity, the human ability to create sets us apart from the rest of creation and brings us joy and satisfaction.
Spiritual capacity. We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, but we are spiritual beings having a human experience. (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin). Even many unreligious people understand that there is a spiritual element in their life. As far as we know, only God and humans have a spirit that can exist outside of a body.
Capacity for wonder. As humans, we can express curiosity and wonder. We ask questions, explore things, and seek to understand the world in which we live. This drive to know and understand the universe, from the cosmic components to the smallest cell of the human body, is unique to humans. It testifies to humanity's worth and value.
Capacity to appreciate beauty. Unlike other creatures in God's creation, humans can appreciate, capture, and create beauty. Beauty is one attribute of God that we often seem to miss. Beauty touches us deeply, moves us, draws us, calms us, and brings us joy. No one can deny the beauty of God's creation.
Yet we experience the ultimate expression of beauty in the presence of God. David expresses this in Psalm 27:4: "One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in his temple" (NASB). Humanity is more valuable than any other part of God's creation, we have been created in his image, and, like God, we are beautiful.
When we look at this list of capacities, we see that they are not only abilities that humans possess, but they are also capacities that God has. The Trinity created humankind in "their own image," which means that humans bear certain qualities that reflect the image of God, the Imago Dei. If our God-like-capacities reflect even a fraction of the glory of God, then, as humans, we truly have an incomparable worth.