Already WholeSample

Already Whole

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” —Genesis 1:27

Does it seem like everyone around you is getting “work done”? Seemingly out of nowhere, Botox, plastic surgery, fillers, and more have become the norm. A friend got her forehead wrinkles removed, your neighbor got lip filler, and a gal at church is planning a tummy tuck. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it can make those of us who don’t want or can’t afford to do these procedures feel like we are missing out on something. But even before medspas, plastic surgery, or doctors’ offices, before we tried to find our worth in fixing ourselves, we were created in God’s image.

Imago Dei is a Latin phrase meaning “image of God.” As described in today’s Scripture, humanity is the imago Dei, created “in his own image” (Genesis 1:27). You reflect God in your very being as who you are right now. While we can look at our body and see flaws that need to be remedied, God looks at us and sees Himself reflected. Just as an artist meticulously paints a portrait of someone dear to them, reflecting that person’s appearance in their painting while also incorporating their personality through use of brushstroke and color, you were crafted by God as an image pointing back to Him. Your imago Dei status cannot be removed or destroyed—it’s who you are, made in the image of God.

What freedom there is in knowing that you are made in God’s image! Just as that artist bursts with pride over their finished portrait, imagine how much more God cares for you as one created to reflect His goodness and His love. If you’ve faced mental or physical illness, abuse, heartbreak, or another difficult situation, no matter how much you feel your life has been marred by trial, you still have the status of God’s image bearer. Nothing you can face or do will take away this truth or make you less worthy of God’s love and pride. You are created in His image, and that’s a fact. No work necessary.

Embracing Wholeness: I am already whole, loved, and worthy of love. I was created in the image of a holy, loving, and creative God.