We were created to be like God, to bear his image in the world. And often we think of this in terms of its nobility and transcendence – rightly remembering there’s more to us than mere flesh and blood. While true, we must not forget that being like God is also a point of humility and sacrifice – a willingness to radically provide what is needed for the good of the other.
On the one hand, remembering our God-likeness can keep us from despair. God is creative, generous, and powerful. And he has given us a dignity that reflects the same. As such, we have what it takes to bring more life and goodness into the world in our own unique ways. However, left unchecked, this can become a source of pride when we make an idol of our accomplishments rather than remembering the One whose glory we reflect. We take our desire to be like God too far when we live as if we can replace God on his throne.
Part of what humbles our pride is remembering all the ways in which we are to be like God. From the very beginning, God includes others in the focus of his delight, affection, and love. And even while we were still in our sins, God sent Christ to die for us.
It’s in these ways that we’re also to be like God – willing to focus our love on the good of others and even make costly sacrifices before they’re fully appreciated.
To be sure, it’s not enough to be like God in our creativity and power when we’re not also like God in our sacrifice and service. But together we discover how to fully embrace our freedom and power in the service of love.
In the end, you were created to be like God. And this includes a radical willingness to sacrifice and love others, as much as it does the dignity and power to impact the world for good.
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