This discussion covers the foundational concept of humans being made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) This image gives every single person value and dignity. We were created to represent God to the world. Because of our sin, we’re poor representatives, but Jesus renews the image in us and serves as an example of how to reflect God well.

 

Have you ever stressed over finding the perfect selfie, Snapchat image, or Facebook profile picture? It represents you—your personality, charisma, and charm—to the social media world. It’s your representation to people who don’t know you well in person.

 

Even people who “know you” don’t really know everything about you – just what you are willing to reveal about yourself. They will make all kinds of assumptions about you solely based on that image. Are you trendy? Do you care too much about your looks (or too little)? The Jonas Brothers song states, “No one knows about you (about you) about you (about you) And you’re making the typical me break my typical rules. It’s true, I’m a sucker for you, yeah”

 

The real questions are – do you know who the real you is, and do you have a moral compass, or are you willing to break those rules to be accepted?

 

When God wanted to represent Himself to the world, He decided to make human beings His ambassadors. The Bible says, “God created mankind in His own image.” (Genesis 1:27) We’re His selfie/Snapchat image/Facebook profile pictures! And every single person, no matter how smart or poor or good or evil, still represents Him.

 

In Psalm 139:14 David says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” We reveal God because we are His craftsmanship. Our Creator’s fingerprints are all over us.

 

But, just like a Photoshopped profile picture, we don’t always represent God well. Our sinful nature disfigures God’s image in us. How could unholy people ever represent a holy God? Thankfully, one man lived a holy life: Jesus. He perfectly represented God to the world and fully embodied God’s image. (Colossians 1:15) By making Him the Lord of our lives, we are made holy in God’s eyes and His image in us is restored. By letting the Holy Spirit help us live like Jesus, we can represent God better to the world. That’s why we were created. It’s our fundamental purpose, and it gives our lives value and meaning. 

 

We must remember that we should not be a sucker and blindly follow others. The road we take should lead us closer to God, not down a blind path. 

 

Through God’s Word we are reminded of the One who died for us and calls us to love others so much we would sacrifice for them – but not break the rules or the standards we have. Our moral compass needs to be fixed on God as our standard. In this way we understand the true value of our lives and the lives of those we love so that we don’t get suckered.