What does it mean to be the Image of God?

imago dei (post 4 of 5)

In the last few posts I have discussed some common interpretations of the “image of God.” I have explained why I think the interpretations based on human capacities or our relationships to God are not compatible with scripture, logic, or the character of Christ in us.  Today I want to look at what it means to understand the “image of God” as our God given role, function, and task.

To best understand why the original intended audience of the book of Genesis would have interpreted the imago dei in this light I encourage you to read “The Lost World of Genesis One” by John Walton. He explains how the worldviews of Ancient Near Eastern cultures would have made sense of this text. Hint – It has little to do with science.  If you are interested here is a review of the book I wrote a while back.

In Walton’s book one of the points he argues is that Genesis One is the story of God establishing his dwelling place (temple) in our cosmos. In the construction of a temple the image of the god represented (an icon) was one of the last things put in before the temple could become functional. Humanity has the role of accurately representing God within his temple.

As image bearers we have the task, role, and function of reflecting God's image to humanity and creation.

N.T. Wright uses the wonderful example of an angled mirror to explain our role. An angled mirror does not reflect your image back at you, but the image proportionally opposite to where you are standing.  As image bearers we function like a tilted mirror. As we angle ourselves toward God his image is better reflected out toward the rest of creation.

I closest align with this dynamic view because I believe the image God is something we bear as well as do our best to work toward. The imageo dei is not simply something we are but something we become. It is a role we are designed to play and it should drive us toward action.

Of course we fail to accurately reflect God’s image in all his glory. At best the image we present to creation is a distorted version of who God is. But the good news is when we find the paradigm for his image in Jesus we receive a clear vision for how our lives should reflect God.

In our every thought and action we should ask ourselves these questions. Does this help me better fulfill my role as an image bearer?  Will I better reflect who God is to all of creation through this?