What does it mean to be created in the image of God? This is a question most Christians have pondered; however as we allow the essence of this truth to sink in, how does this reality affect the way we think and behave? What does it really mean to have the same qualities and capacities as our maker?  Take a moment and consider the fact that you are not the result of a random act of a purposeless process. No, you were strategically designed by a loving, personal and relational God -- to be just like him. Created to be just like Him, to emulate His actions and thoughts. To be abundantly creative, thoughtful, giving, connected and communicative.

The beauty of God's masterful process is the fact that, though each one of us were created to just like Him, we have distinct capacities and unique qualities that differentiate us from each other, yet point us back to the same originator.  We've been indelibly marked by our creator to take on His characteristics and express them distinctively.

I'm not sure that we, in our human-ness, will ever be able to fully grasp what it means to be 'created in His image' or to be 'godlike'. I do know that this reality provides us the responsibility to live with a greater sense of awareness of our potential. Can you imagine the possibility of actually living a full life or the tragedy of our unrealized promise?

My challenge for you:

• Own your power - No one can do what you can. You are unique in your nature. what do you bring to the table?
• Be influential - Don't be afraid to express yourself, your ideas, your thoughts - they matter!
• Be creative - What do you do? What are you passionate about? What drives you? What makes you cry?
• Connect with others - You are relational. God said 'It is not good for man to live alone.' We need each other. We were created for each other!

But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms. It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? Romans 8:11 (MSG)