Thrive in the City by Living Into the Great StoryMuestra

Reflecting God as Image Bearers 

In the times of ancient kingdoms and empires, images and statues were used as a form of media to symbolize who was in power. Kings would have images of themselves erected as a reminder to the masses that they exercised dominion over them and ruled the land. This is still done today in nations with autocratic leaders.

When we revisit Genesis 1 & 2, we see something spectacular in relation to how humans (male and female) are made in God’s image and likeness and given the mandate to be fruitful and multiply, to exercise dominion, to subdue the earth, to work, and to keep the garden.

This is often referred to as the Creation Mandate and describes God’s invitation as to how we are to participate in His creation. But what do these words mean?

To subdue (kabash): can mean to tame something that’s wild, to bring order out of chaos or harmony out of discord. This is not to say that creation was chaotic and in conflict, but the earth was wild with raw resources and the potential of these resources was still to be realized. 

To have dominion (radah): means to rule and to reign by actively partnering with God in taking the world somewhere as co-creators. Dominion does not imply irresponsible domination, but rather, stewardship as agents of God’s common grace. 

To work (abad): means work in service to another or cultivate. To cultivate means to draw out something’s potential through intentional care. Work is then service to God and those made in his image, which is everybody. We were created to use our God-given talents to create value in the service of others as a form of worship. 

To keep (shamar): means to protect, take care of, preserve, watch over, or guard. 

As God’s image bearers, we are invited to participate in the human project by taking the world somewhere as co-creators with God for the benefit of others. We have capacity for either great good or great harm based on how we work, rule, protect, and subdue. Jesus shows us how to rule as a servant King in the midst of a broken world, which can only take place by abiding in his love. 

Mark Sayers writes that in today’s post-Christian culture, many people want the benefits of the Kingdom (justice, equality, peace) without acknowledging their need for the King. These desires for a better country, that is, a heavenly one, are good and point to the reality that we are all made in the image and likeness of God.

Take a moment with God.

How do you reflect God’s image in your day-to-day activity through the lens of these four words? Which one best represents how you reflect God in your vocation? 

Be intentional today to acknowledge the image of God in others as a way to help you navigate divisive environments.