Why We Were Created

Genesis 1:26a, 27 "Then God said, "Let us make an in our image, in our likeness...So God created man in His own imagine, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them."

As you read through Genesis one, you see the creation of the world, of day and night, light and darkness, land and water, birds and animals. Finally, on the sixth day you see something new. You see man created. This in of itself is not so radical; God has been creating for the past five days. But with man it is different. Man is created in the image of God.

What does this mean? It does not mean, as I remember thinking as a young child, that we look like God. Instead, it means that we have special 'abilities' that other living things, such as plants or animals, do not. These abilities include having thoughts and emotions and the ability to communicate and make decisions.

So why were we created differently than the animals. Why were we created in the image of God? For one reason: we are called to glorify God. This is not to say that plants and animals do not glorify God - they do. We, however, are created to glorify God in a unique way - by enjoying Him.

Think about this for a minute: we were created with the ability to know God, be entirely satisfied in our knowledge of Him, and spend eternity basking in the joy of our creator's presence. This is how we glorify God!

So today, when you are experiencing trials big or small and you find yourself getting frustrated or discontent, take a minute to pull back and remember your purpose. If you are having trouble finding this joy, stop and reflect on your salvation. Remind yourself of the gospel and thank God for choosing you to be a vessel of mercy rather than wrath.

Things in this world can seem so big, so important, so consuming. Do not let yourselves get caught up in the here and now. Concentrate on your Savior; remind yourself that your time here on earth is to be spent in preparing for an eternity of glorifying God through your enjoyment of Him. And then enjoy Him, for He truly is an awesome Savior, merciful God, and loving Father.