“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.” Genesis 1:27
Today’s Christian daily devotional
It’s that time of year again. The dreaded day where I magically transport from one age bracket into another.
In his charming attempt to help me recover from this ferocious reality, my husband surprises me with a trip to my favorite jewelry boutique.
“Where’s your selection of rubies?” He speaks while gulping at the same time. John is a brave man escorting me into a store like this; it could get real dangerous.
An austere woman waltzes out from behind the counter, jangling the keys on her wrist. “Is there a special occasion you two are celebrating?”
“My wife gets more precious by the year. Let’s find her a birthday present that reflects just that.” John smiles broadly.
Getting older has definitely made my husband a nicer guy. We follow her lead to a case in the back of the store.
“Honey, this guys a keeper. My name is Linda. Let me know if you see something that dazzles your eye.” She winks at me while resting her elbows on the case. It is peppered with different sparkling baubles of my favorite red stone.
John gives me a nod and a look that gently cautions me not to get too out of control.
“We only carry natural rubies.” Linda unlocks the case and carefully reaches for a dainty red pendant. Taking her loop, she holds the stone up to the light and searches carefully.
“Look closely.” She hands me the pendant and the tiny magnifier.
Not quite sure what I am looking for, the brilliant red turns into a deep pink while I peer through the lens.
“Do you notice those little black flecks?” I can hear Linda’s voice on the other side of the counter, but the microscopic world she has just opened is beyond distracting.
“Yes. I thought this store only carried the best.” I carefully hand over gem and loop.
“I’m glad you said that, because we do. It is quite rare for a true ruby not to have imperfections. In fact, those little black flecks are actually the markings of it’s authenticity.” Linda gingerly turns the gem in her hand under the hot display lights. She pauses slightly before returning it to the velvet stand.
Genesis 1:27 is a short verse, but I marvel at the meaning of it. All of human kind is made into the actual image of God. Many people have taken this scripture and twisted it into a perverse context, interpreting it to mean that we are all somehow little gods. (If this were true, we are all in trouble!)
Perhaps Genesis 1:27 is the reason many of us struggle with our idea of being perfect. We inherently desire to be just like God. In this search, we forget that we are not actual gods, just made in the image of Him.
The imperfections that we struggle with can be the very things that will draw us closer to Him. God doesn’t value garbage. But, he does desire the authentic and imperfect you. As soon as you give up trying to be something you’re not, God will make the best of what you’ve got.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
Everyday I struggle with my own imperfections. I find it quite ironic that in the same notion, I have also attempted to be my own god, knowing full well of my shortcomings!
Lord, let me just get real with you. I realize that I will never be perfect or have all the answers.
But, I do know that I am made in your image and created for your pleasure and glory. If I let the light of you shine through me, even my imperfections can be used for your glory.
You can do so much more with me than what I was attempting to accomplish with my life. In Jesus’ precious name, help me to not feel bad about who or what I am but get excited about what you can do through me! Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Genesis 1:27
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan