Imago Dei is the Latin translation for “Image of God” as found in Genesis, our creation story. It is significant because this establishes the principle that every human being has inherent value and worth. Understanding one’s ancestry should provide us with a sense of belonging and identity, enabling people to appreciate and connect with their heritage, traditions, and customs. Human history is one of identical beginnings. Humanity started as one culture, language, and set of values. In other words, we are all part of the same “human race” emanating from God’s image and His character.
(Genesis 1:27)1NIV New International Version Translations– “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
This simple statement embedded in God’s Word establishes our belief in having been created in the image of God (emphasis on the worth and dignity of every individual). All human beings possess a unique and intrinsic value that isn’t dependent on such things as accomplishments, abilities, color, or social status. God commands us then to respect human life, have compassion for those in need, and pursue justice and equality on behalf of those who have been disenfranchised within our world. Being made in the image of God implies that humans can have a relationship with their Creator. It signifies that we share a unique connection with God, thus allowing for communication, worship, and a sense of belonging. It is through this relationship that we can find comfort, guidance, and a sense of purpose in life.
The bottom line is that humans are different than all other forms of life! No living creature on our earth has been gifted with our privileges. “But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.” (Psalm 73:28). Because we are all related, our Creator extends to us His protection.
(Genesis 9:5-6) – “And for your lifeblood, I will surely demand an accounting. I will demand an accounting from every animal. And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. “Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.”
The belief in “Imago Dei” also suggests that humans possess unique qualities and abilities that set them apart from the rest of creation. It implies that individuals have the capacity for creativity, rationality, self-awareness, and spiritual experiences. Humans can inspire other individuals to discover and develop their full potential, seeking to fulfill their purpose and contribute positively to the world. But then there was this thing called free will. We were granted complete freedom to make choices, even ignore our Creator. Much like human relationships, our relationship with God was established on voluntary principles. We all know the story; humanity destroyed its relationship with God. However, because we are “Imago Dei,” God came to us as His Incarnate self and offered each of us redemption and restoration. It is the belief in Christ that should provide comfort and assurance of divine grace, forgiveness, and the possibility of spiritual growth and renewal. God is humanity’s hope!
There are also moral implications attached to being created in God’s image. If, as humans, we reflect on God’s image for a moment, we can find certain qualities and virtues that reflect God’s character. These godly characteristics form the foundation for ethical behavior and the pursuit of moral values in our world. Christ sums up God beautifully with His prayer, “Our Father.” Like a father, God cares for us. He teaches, punishes, forgives, and loves. These are some of the same characteristics of humanity that are on display in our interactions with others.
(John 3:16-17) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Our World Today
We are experiencing a world where the innocent are being punished and the guilty are praised and rewarded! Rulers, government leaders, and an unseen bureaucracy create restrictive laws of the land while ignoring God’s Laws. They are profiteers, working at the expense of humanity. Our justice system has brought us more crimes against the innocent. If then, people have the skill to overcome this behavior, our question should be how can we fix things? As a world and nation, we have been here before. The response was that godly leaders gave us a Constitution based on our Creator’s plan for this world. It is time to value it and follow it again!
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. (1787)”
If humanity is to ever claim an inheritance of God-like characteristics from Imago Dei, we must use those godly characteristics to improve our world. The leaders of our country, and of our world must also be godly people. Both the responsibility and accountability of this task rests with us. In a representative government, we have no one to blame but ourselves for the mess we have today.
Respect for Individual Rights: A free society upholds the protection and respect for individual rights, including fundamental liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, religion, and the right to private property. Recognizing and safeguarding these rights provides the foundation for personal freedom and the ability to express oneself freely. God promotes values such as justice, fairness, and compassion. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). Treating others as you would like to be treated is a pretty good summation, don’t you think? That is the kind of respect and individual rights our God gives us.
Rule of Law: The rule of law ensures that laws apply equally to all members of society, including those in positions of power. It establishes a framework that governs behavior, promotes fairness, and provides a predictable and consistent legal system. A free society requires a robust legal framework that protects individual rights, promotes justice, and prevents the arbitrary exercise of power. In fact, God is the Law and justly applies the Law to all.
(Romans 13:1-7) – “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”
The value of conscience and religious freedom: The Bible upholds the value of conscience and the freedom to worship and follow one’s religious beliefs. For example, in the New Testament, the Apostle Paul defends the freedom of conscience and the right to worship according to one’s faith in passages such as (Romans 14) and (1 Corinthians 8). Limited government can help protect these freedoms by refraining from excessive interference in matters of personal belief and religious practice. God gives you the right to make a choice. The logical choice is Imago Dei.
Economic Freedom: Protection of property rights, free markets, and voluntary exchange is important for a free society. It allows individuals to pursue their economic interests, promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and prosperity, and fosters an environment that encourages individual initiative and self-reliance. “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:16). This is but a sampling of the generosity of our God.
Individual responsibility and accountability: The Bible emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability before God. This suggests that individuals should have the freedom to make choices and be accountable for their actions. A limited government can provide the space for individuals to exercise their judgment and bear the consequences of their decisions. “So then every one of us shall give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). What else would you expect from a Creator who is responsible and accountable to His creation?
God as the ultimate authority: The Bible places God as the ultimate authority over human affairs. This implies that human governments must operate within the limits set by God and respect the inherent rights and freedoms of individuals. “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!’” (Acts 5:29). There should never be any confusion.
Limited Government: In a free society, government power is limited and restrained to prevent its encroachment on individual liberties. This includes checks and balances among the branches of government, separation of powers, and mechanisms for accountability and transparency. A limited government framework helps prevent the concentration of power and protects against potential abuses. “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor ” (Jeremiah 2:13). God expects that the leaders of His earthly kingdom are moving the people to depend on God and not become more dependent upon government.
Civic Engagement and Participation: The active engagement and participation of citizens in the democratic process are critical for the sustainability of a free society. This includes informed voting, expressing opinions, peaceful assembly, and involvement in community and civil society organizations. An engaged citizenry helps ensure accountability, representation, and the collective shaping of public policies. “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). God is involved in our world. We should be involved too!
Justice and Fairness: The Bible consistently promotes principles of justice, fairness, and concern for the poor and marginalized. Economic freedom, when accompanied by a just and equitable society, can provide opportunities for individuals to flourish and for resources to be distributed more fairly, reducing poverty, and enabling individuals to live with dignity. This, however, does not negate the necessity for repentance. The idea of individuals changing direction in their lives is a mainstay of the principles of salvation. There has never been a free pass for sin! “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Justice is not complex if you apply God’s Laws and standards to its application.
Stewardship and Provision: The Bible teaches principles of stewardship and provision, emphasizing the responsibility to manage resources wisely and to provide for oneself and others. Economic freedom, such as the ability to pursue personal endeavors and engage in entrepreneurship, can create opportunities for individuals to fulfill their responsibilities and provide for their families and communities. Such a society removes the necessity for governmental programs that too often work in opposition to the benefits brought by creativity and hard work.
(Matthew 5:13-16) – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Conclusion
The characteristics necessary to build a healthy society are the same as those we have inherited from our Creator. While God has many more (See God’s Characteristics Here), we have been given what is necessary to make our world a better place. Humanity has no excuse. We also have the benefit of knowing the history of Christ on Earth. Here we get to see, in human form, the characteristics of God at work. Therefore, humanity’s job must be to use its gifts to embrace, lift, and help spread God’s Kingdom so our world can hope again.
(2 Corinthians 5:17) – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Contemplations
- What do you place your hope in?
- Ideas to Explore: Digital Currency, your investments, your knowledge and position in the world, your net worth, your humility before God, Jesus, or just God?
- How would you bring God back to our country?
- Ideas to Explore: Change the goals of education, elect more godly people, shrink the secret bureaucracy, and hold leaders and media accountable for telling the Truth.
- What is your strategy for living?
- Ideas to Explore: Hide in the basement, attend church and ignore the world, be active and engaged, raise godly children, and stand firm for our Constitutional rights. Please name your plan.
- What will you do tomorrow to help our world?
- Ideas to Explore: Pay attention to the issues and problems, seek to find the causes, and actively pursue solutions.
- 1NIV New International Version Translations