The Image

Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. (Gen.1:26).  That makes us all god images.  Webster's first definition of idol begins,"an image of a god."  We are our greatest stumbling block because we are idols if we choose to be devoted to our own desires and ambitions instead of laying them down at God's feet.

 I well know how many desires pull at me.  The easiest way to appease my heart is to convince myself that my selfish ambitions are actually God's commission for my life.  Anyone can get so caught up in these selfish desires (that bring us great recognition by the way) that we will justify turning our backs to our spouse, children and those who are thirsty at the well.

We must beware of our presumptive missions that we do not let them carry ourselves away like the priest and Levite who did not see their neighbor in need by the side of the road.  How often do we walk past our neighbors in need of an encouraging word or a helpful hand because we are on to bigger and better works "for God".

The prophet tells us that idols can not see or hear.  When we devote ourselves to our own dreams and ambitions, we can become dull of hearing like dumb idols.  We will not listen to anyone who may come in the spirit of God and suggest that perhaps there is something amiss in our labor.  Perhaps we are neglecting basics like disciplining our children or, because we are so busy with "God's work" we push the children and spouse altogether on others to take care of them.  In our zeal, we often stray from the narrow path and become so caught up with ourselves that we do not hear the word of wisdom that may come from a source we do not want to accept.

Made in the image of God, we have a wonderful potential to become great.  However, if greatness is what we aspire to, we can expect to be cut off from God like Satan so long ago.  Jesus said whoever would be great must be a servant to all.  Love for others, not for self, is the essence of God.  To be fully in His likeness, we must put away our own ambition and look upon others to see how best we can help them come into the fullness of our Creator.