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.