HIMPower Magazine August 2015 | Page 30

of who we are is wrapped in outer trappings rather than the inner qualities instilled by our great God. We put extra work into our outward appearance rather than into our behavior and beliefs that can help us treat each other better. Too often, our inner focus is only skin deep. It does not penetrate the heart. But hidden in plain sight for us in the holy Word is a plethora of ideas of what God is like. Moreover, we learn about the wonderful things that He wants for us. Through careful study and time committed to learning more about Him, we can live the life our Creator designed especially for us. In the scripture above, immediately after God says He wants to make man and woman in His likeness, He further explains that He is making them rulers over all things of the earth—just like Him. God’s initial intention for mankind is that we have power and authority over things in this earth just like He does. This was God’s desire for us until Adam and Eve’s disobedience disrupted God’s plan. His plan is still that mankind recognize and correctly use the power He has given us. We have the power to overcome obstacles and make things happen according to His individual purpose for us. God understands the investment He has made in us, but we don’t always realize the success that is ours through Him. We have the authority to call those things that aren’t as if they are. But we give up far too easily and quickly when that success doesn’t come according to our timetable. And yes, that timetable sometimes involves years of waiting. 30  HimPower August 2015 To be like God, then we must be clear about who He is so that we can be imitators of Him. The Bible tells us the many facets of Him whose image we share. Some are about having the following: Character that changes the world God loves justice. In His image then, we must choose to do what is right and to stand against injustices in the world. It starts when we witness, experience or prevent hatred, jealousy, envy or greed. God’s character is one of acceptance, tolerance, guidance, and most importantly, love. When we exhibit kindness to each other, are upstanding citizens, and avoid trivial bickering and superficial judgment, then we are like God. We are godly women of courage and character and can change our world. Beliefs that influence spiritual thinking God believes that love conquers all— love for Him and for others. He wants us to believe that He exists and that His Son Jesus is indeed His Son, and that His Holy Spirit guides us into all truth. God wants us to love Him with our hearts and our minds. When we are in communion with Him through dedicated prayer time, He can influence our beliefs. He reveals Himself to us in deeper ways, and He prepares us to share Him with others. Our beliefs will influence our behaviors. And if we are like God and loves as He does, then we are inclined to treat each other respectfully out of love.