“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NIV

The title is Latin for “image of God”. Imago Dei is pronounced as EE-ma-go Day.  And my first disclaimer is that I watched an online sermon (only kind I see these days) of a pastor friend who preached on this topic. It is perfect for these troubling times in our nation. The pastor is Josh Tufte, a young man who does a fabulous job at a church in North Carolina.

The initial point is that all humans; men and women, black, brown, white and every shade in between, no matter ethnicity, no matter religious conviction, no matter any other difference, are all created in the image of God our Creator. So with this said, first, I have to look at myself. Do I see myself as created by God exactly as He designed me? Do I see myself as beloved of God? With the gifts and talents that He has given me? With the purpose, desires and goals that He has given me?

 And the second big question is do I look at every other person as an “imago Dei”? Do I see the person created in the image of God or do I focus on the differences? Do I see a brother or sister, created uniquely by God? Do I relate to others as God sees them? His image bearers?

Definitely more questions than answers this week. But if we choose to look at ourselves and others as image-bearers of God; we would choose love and not hate, we would choose care and concern and not disrespect, we would choose to treat others as we want to be treated. “Love your neighbor as yourself,” as Jesus tells us. Everyone is our neighbor because we are all made in the glorious image of God.

This week answer each of these questions for yourself. This week try to treat each person you interact with as an image-bearer of God. Choose your responses to reflect the light of your God.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week as we all see each other as created in the image of God. Imago Dei.

Blessings and peace!