Understand Genesis 1:26-27
In whose image are you made?
Made in His Image: Software vs. Hardware
If you were to ask any Christian or believer in whose image they were made, they would proudly quote Genesis 1:26-27 with total confidence. Sadly, for too many, those are just words. In the beginning, God spoke words and all that we see today came into existence. However, those were not just empty words; they were full of faith and belief, which is why they could create so much.
The words many believers share today are empty—just skin and bones. The funny thing is, God can bring life to dry bones, but that seems to be "impossible" in this situation. No, I’m not saying it is impossible for God. According to the Word, as long as a thing exists, God has control over it; but many believers act as if some things are impossible for Him.
Did you know that it isn't just about "what is," but "what could be"? This means that what you have never seen or thought of can still happen because God is the Great I AM. In my work as a spiritual life coach and mentor, I see how the Word of God has been reduced to carry the same weight as the words of mankind.
God said He would make humans to be like Him. This applies to every single human regardless of their gender, weight, height, race, or any other characteristic. Where I am puzzled is why this is such a hard concept to comprehend. If believers don't believe what God said about their own image, what makes them believers? What exactly do they believe in?
The Social Media Image vs. God’s Image
Today, more and more people are exposed to social media, which defines the "appropriate" image of a human—especially for women. A negative self-image has replaced the image of God. Even with salvation through Jesus Christ, many Christians are still bound by worldly standards. Personally, I don't think being "all-natural" makes you more beautiful, nor do I think makeup is inherently right or wrong.
But I ask you this: When you just wake up and look at yourself in the mirror, are you happy with that person? We cannot disregard health facts about body weight, but that’s not what I am referring to here.
Do you feel beautiful only because:
- You have makeup on?
- You have a fresh hairstyle?
- You are wearing a certain brand or new clothes?
- You have lost weight?
- Your skin tone is lighter?
- People told you that you look good?
Do you realize that the list above is limited to things that are temporary? The fallen body cannot enter the New Earth.
Philippians 3:20-21 NLT
[20] But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. [21] He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.
This body isn't useful in eternity; that is why it needs to be "upgraded" by Jesus. If the physical body was the ultimate goal, why would it need to be changed? So, is the "image of God" just this physical shell? I doubt it.
The iPhone Metaphor: Firmware over Hardware
Think of it like this: If you found an iPhone 8, would you say it’s not an iPhone just because you’ve seen the iPhone 15? They don’t look the same and they don't have the same features, but they are both iPhones and both run on iOS.
You are made in God’s image (the iPhone) and you have a soul (the iOS). So, no matter how you look—whether you feel like an iPhone 10 or an iPhone 17—you are still like Him. There might be many "traumas" or "bugs" in your iOS (your soul), but you are still made in His image. What I have realized is that the only thing we lack is a software upgrade. This upgrade allows you to perform at your highest level. Sadly, our souls often have viruses and bugs because we keep rejecting the software update. You can’t do much to change the hardware (the body) right now, but there is a lot you can do to the firmware (the spirit and soul).
Rejecting the Lies
Believers struggle with lies from the enemy. Remember, the devil’s goal is to kill, steal, and destroy. He will use other humans and your own thoughts. He will tell you that your nose is too thick, your skin is too dark, you aren’t skinny enough, or that you look too masculine or feminine. He wants you to work tirelessly to improve your outer image so that you lose the opportunity to improve your inner image.
We are called to be like Christ because He is the incorruptible form of a human. He is the benchmark. Changing your skin tone, hair, or facial features—or enhancing yourself with makeup and muscles—doesn't make you more like Christ.
When Adam and Eve sinned, the Spirit of God departed from us. That is what originally completed us and made us like God. Now, through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, we gain that back.
The Missing Ingredient
Beloved, invest your time in what matters. Become like Christ, not the celebrity or model you admire. Don't chase an earthly version of yourself that you deem "beautiful." There are people who seem to "have it all" but are completely empty inside.
What you are missing is a deep relationship with Christ so you can discover your true identity. The Father made no mistake in how you look physically, because that is just a shell to contain your soul. Allow God to upgrade you. The Holy Spirit is the "missing ingredient" to true beauty and success.
I hope that you will grow and mature into a believer who actually believes what God said, instead of just knowing the verses. Don't speak negatively about yourself, because when you do, you are criticizing God’s masterpiece.
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