Imago Dei

So, as part of my teaching series on environmentalism and the Church, I've become completely inspired and a little overwhelmed by the interaction between God and, well... God. In the beginning, after creation (small "c" intentional) has been formed and everything seems to be running smoothly, God says, "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature..."

Imago Dei - image of God

Humans are created - and the breath of God, the image of God, is given to them.

Then they are brought into relationship with God.
Then they are given responsibility to obey God.
Then they are given authority to govern on behalf of God.

I had a discussion this morning with some friends who are at an intersection in their lives, debating whether or not pursuing a relationship with Jesus is worth the commitment, debating what would motivate them to make such a commitment anyway.

We're reading the Gospel of Mark, looking firsthand at the actions, words and teachings of Jesus Christ. Letting him speak into our lives. I'm praying they'll hear the ancient/present/future call of Christ - "come and follow me." We discussed the legalism and ritualism of the Christian Institution in light of the simple life and teachings of Jesus, and during this I was reminded that Jesus came not to organize and institutionalize us, but to restore within us God's image - the perfect, incorruptible, holy, transforming image of God, reflecting his nature, character and attributes.

What's the problem with the world today? Well, sin, obviously, but in a different sense... not sin that makes God angry because of our disobedience, but sin that breaks God's heart because our image is deformed, tainted and dying. Jesus wasn't just establishing new rules to make God happy (i.e. most other religions) - he was literally creating a new way back to God.

Back to the being the Creation of God.
Backing to being in relationship with God.
Back to bearing the responsibility from God.
Back to governing on behalf of God.
Back to living and walking and talking and being with God.
Back to imago dei.