Imago Dei With The Gospel CoalitionSample

Imago Dei and Power

The imago Dei relates to the dynamics of power in our world. The way we as Christians wield power is meant to reflect the way God Himself wields power—with fairness, justice, and concern for the weak and oppressed. 

Because God is omnipotent, we have to conclude that power itself isn’t evil. Instead, God clearly intends power to be used for the benefit and the care of the world and its people. 

Each image bearer, from the womb to the moment we breathe our last. These two inflection points in our lives are when we’re most vulnerable and when our culture has deemed life to hold less value. 

Every human society has a tendency to stratify, viewing its members as having more or less worth based on the place they occupy in that society. Your position in society might be based on where you were born, what class of society you were born into, or what race you are. It might also depend on your occupation; society tends to view some vocations as more honorable or more important than others. However, the Bible doesn’t allow us to view people within a hierarchy of worth. 

People who are marginalized in our society, such as racial minorities, refugees, or other oppressed groups, often lack the resources or the support networks to find help when they need it. Christians are called to stand in the gap and leverage any power we have for their sake. However, this idea is often received negatively or considered controversial. 

Imago Dei means in spite of racial, ethnic, or any other difference, every human being is stamped with the dignity of God’s image. This biblical truth makes racism offensive. It’s an assault not only on an individual or a group of people but also on God’s dignity and glory. 

Power was meant for good. Power was meant to shepherd the world and protect it. It was meant to reflect God’s rule and dominion over the earth. He made the world, sustains it with His power and wisdom, and rules over it with loving care. In a subordinate role we continue and extend that care for the good of the world and for the advancement of His kingdom.