Made in His image.
The image of a glorious God, creative and giving to encourage growth and beauty in harmony for benefit.
It’s breathtaking to think that He had that in mind when He created those who are made in His image. What happened, though? Why isn’t that what we see?
It’s because we chose to turn away from Him. And when we turned, we didn’t see the image that we were supposed to reflect. And in the loss of that, we were left to be missed, to be misunderstood and to be used. We disconnected from the Source and pretty soon spent time grasping at any connection, ending up with the sort that brought about greater disconnection.
The answer lies in learning what it means to thrive. We simply choose to ignore it. Blundering from one idol to the next, from one fad to another, from one obsession to the next. Setting up complexes, strongholds and strangleholds of darkness. People stumbling around and doing the best they can, and the tragedy is that they don’t even know it’s darkness. But as it grips them, so it prevents them from flourishing as intended.
This is why what it is to be seen, known and loved is so important. What God does in these three aspects is remove the things that hinder us from walking in our true identity. What He does through these three is enable us to know what it really means to be productive. As He takes us through these three, we get glimpses of what it means to be fruitful and notice how it’s not primarily a material reality. It’s a spiritual reality born in the heart of God, who is Spirit.
As He shows us that we’re seen, we don’t have to turn our backs on Him anymore. As He shares how we’re known, we no longer have to be ashamed. As He reveals how we’re loved, we don’t have to hide in the darkness; we can walk in the light. That walk sees us produce, be fruitful, create and cultivate something beautiful, prosperous, and that reflects the nature of our Creator.
We need the process to experience the glorious outcome. We need the gospel to come under the rule of the Light. So we’re seen, known and loved, and as a result, liberated to be all that we were created to be as image bearers.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: When was the last time you considered what it is to thrive? What images or views come to your mind when you consider what it means to thrive?
Pray: Father, we recognise that we’re called to reflect your will for the earth. We thank you that as we focus on you, we are trees planted by living waters that produce fruit in their season. Help us to stay connected to thrive in the light of your love. For your glory, Lord.
Act: Share with a close friend your reflections on what it is to thrive and pray together to see what thriving looks like for you in the coming days.
