Imago Dei - Be like Christ

 

Hebrews 1:3

Jesus is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 

Who do you aspire to be like? Why would you want to be like them? 

In the early 90’s, there was a Gatorade commercial showing clips of Michael Jordan’s basketball highlights accompanied by the song, “I want to be like Mike.” Simple tune and lyrics, but powerful message.

Michael Jordan was once in a generation athlete, definitely one of the greatest players of all time. As a kid, I wanted to play like him, as did so many of my friends. Yet we never became basketball players like Mike and there isn’t enough Gatorade in the world to make me as good as Mike. 

But many pursued basketball because of him and some have gone on to play in the NBA. Why? Because admiration and emulation are very powerful motivations.

That’s why I ask the question, who do you aspire to be like? Who gives you drive to improve? 

There may be a professional in your career that you want to be like. Maybe a mentor or instructor. In recent months, it has become evident that many put their hopes in politicians and political agendas. Some of that is good, but all of these are limited and we cannot be like them. We are not all gifted the same, nor do we have the same passions. 

Yet, we are all created in the Image of God. That is part of our DNA, the very core of our existence. Since the Fall, in Genesis 3, that image has been tainted, but not removed. The deepest longing of our hearts, whether we know it or not, is to have that image restored to its fullness (Eccl 3:11; John 10:10). 

The thing about aspiring to have the Image of God restored, is that it was what God created us to be, therefore it is possible for us to be reconciled. Like I said above, there is not enough Gatorade to turn me into Michael Jordan, however God has provided a way for us to have the image restored in Jesus Christ. 

Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s image; He is the perfect image bearer of God. 

Colossians 1:15–20

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 

The perfect image of God came to bring healing and wholeness to the marred image of God in each of us. It is in a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ that we will find what we were created to be, image bearers.

Emulation is the highest form of praise we can give someone. That commercial was praising Michael Jordan. As a child, I would put on my dad’s shoes, jacket and hat and pretend to be him. Why? Because I loved him, admired him and wanted to be like him…I may not put on his clothes today, but I still want to be like him.

It’s no different as a Christian. To be a Christian is to be a Christ Follower. In order to be a follower, you have to imitate Christ, do what He says, and listen to his teaching. Not out of obligation, but out of love. 

Love Jesus with all your heart, admire Him, seek to be with Him and like Him. That is the guaranteed way of restoring the Image of God in our lives. It’s a process that starts today and will continue our entire lives, only to be completed in heaven.

Heaven is the hope we have that we will be with Jesus and will be made like Jesus (1 John 3:2). Aspire to be like Jesus! Sing, “I want to be, I want to be like Christ!” May he be your motivation and may His promises be your strength.