Colossians 3:10 (CEB)

10 and put on the new nature, which is renewed in knowledge by conforming to the image of the one who created it.

Reflection

We often hear about how we are made in the image of God (imago Dei). Each and every person to ever be on earth reflects back another angle of who God is. This is very much like the idea of God being the parent and we the child: we are not an exact replica of the parent (not even close) but that in our creation, parts of the parent become parts of us.

That is the nature part of things – by nature, we are made in our Creators image. But then there’s that nurture bit. Here in our Colossians text, we are offered the idea that beyond us being made in God’s image, we can then continually grow more Christ-like by learning from Christ’s example. Each day we can “put on a new nature” as it were when we learn about, are inspired by, and seek to be more like Jesus.

By Rachel Callender

For Pondering & Prayer

When we don’t feel good about ourselves or when we don’t get along with others, it can be difficult to see people, all people, as being in God’s image. Has that idea of being made in God’s image ever had an impact on you? What does that mean to you? What do you think about when you hear that? What is one thing you can do today to celebrate the growth and change within someone (anyone)? How can you uplift someone as being made in God’s image?

Prayer: Holy God, we give you so much thanks for our creation and the creation of those around us. Help us to see and uplift the parts of ourselves and others that reflect your love. Amen.