Belief in Gods Promises and Reflect Gods Entire Image - Essay Example

31 March Godly Purpose As creatures created in God’s image, humans have a unique opportunity to fulfill divine purpose in their lives. Some never move beyond self-gratification and seek only to achieve worldly success measured by cultural conceptions. Others embrace the idea of a higher purpose and allow a set of standards, not widely understood by their secular counterparts, to govern their lives. If one chooses this alternate path, one accepts the challenge to set an example for others, to illuminate the weaknesses that are inherently human, and to live as one not only created in God’s image, but also as one who is emulating behaviors that glorify God. God created all humans in his image. This applies whether a person chooses to believe in God or not. God created humans to have a capacity for a relationship with him, to be able to think and feel affection and emotion, and with the ability to think, understand, and determine morality. From the very beginning, God’s plan included humans, with a desire to create a being that could relate to him. He said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,” indicating a purpose to his decisions that mankind “may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground” (New International Version, Genesis 1.26). One may never realize the divine opportunity that humanity offers. Instead of embracing a life that honors God and fulfills his divine purpose, one may choose to accept a lifestyle that relies on cultural conceptions such as economics, social constructs, survival, sexuality, and self-gratification. These cultural conceptions bear striking resemblance to the worldly desires that Paul discusses in his letter to the Colossians when he instructs the church to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry” (Col 3.5). Christians, those who believe in God and accept the challenge to live by his standards, reflect God’s image and attempt to follow his lead. In a letter to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts that “among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Eph 3.3-4). In addition to identifying activity and behaviors to avoid, God also provides a guide of what he expects if one is to live in a way that mirrors his image. Through the words of Paul, he communicates, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph 4.1-3). In Romans, one is encouraged to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12.2). Throughout the Bible, God provides one with instruction and encouragement. Promises temper what may appear to be a daunting task to one encumbered by the intrinsic weaknesses and frailty of humankind. Paul communicates one such promise in a letter to the church at Corinthians, saying, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Cor 3.18). These promises provide one with hope, even when individual choices and actions make adhering to God’s design a challenge. The promises indicate that God understands and accepts the imperfections of humans as long as they are working toward his will. One must set an example for others to follow. The Bible uses the analogy of light to demonstrate how one can do this. Paul states, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Eph 5.8-10). In doing this, one should endeavor to identify and illuminate sinful weaknesses and imperfections that cause people to act contrary to God’s will. One should “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light” (Eph 5.11-13). Following the idea of illumination, light always intrudes on darkness. If light is present, the darkness is diminished or eliminated. In this way, one who acts with conviction in a way that demonstrates God’s image can make a lasting impression on those who do not believe in God. By embracing God’s ways, one presents a contrast to secular wisdom and convention, highlights an alternative path for one’s life, and acts as a witness to encourage others to seek God. One may wonder why anyone would select this path burdened with challenges, obstacles, and peer pressure to act in a worldly manner. God delivers an answer to that question as well. In Matthew 19, Jesus promises rewards to Peter and all Christians. When asked, “What then will there be for us?” Jesus responds, “you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matt 19.27-29). God will grant rewards in accordance with how one has lived one’s life, but all who believe will receive eternal life. In Revelation, God communicates through the words of John, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done” (Revelation 22.12). Though the path may seem restrictive, a life that reflects God’s entire image is fulfilling and promises many rewards. The secular world is not equipped to understand the choices one makes when determining to live fully in God’s image, God only reveals this knowledge to those who accept and believe the truths he offers. When one accepts the challenge to believe in God’s promises and to reflect God’s entire image, one moves beyond self-gratification and accepts the opportunity to fulfill divine purpose through choices, actions, and behaviors that embody God’s will. One is no longer subject to measurement of worldly success governed by cultural conceptions; rather, one answers to a higher power that guides one’s behavior and challenges excellence. This alternative to the secular norm dares one to set an example for others based on God’s will versus social constructs, to illuminate the weaknesses that are inherently human, and to live as one not only created in God’s image, but also as one who is emulating behaviors that glorify God. While the lifestyle may seem restrictive, the rewards awaiting one at the end of this life provide a compelling incentive to seek God’s way. Works Cited THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™.Online. 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