The Imago Dei – In Christ Followers: Our Benchmark

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the not too distant pass when a craftsman made something he would want everyone to know he was the craftsman.  Each craftsman made his own benchmark to denote the item was truly his.  Over time this has come to be the way in which we determine the genuine nature of antiques.  For the buyer the benchmark is the sign that one has found the genuine article.  For the maker the benchmark is the symbol of pride that he has created this and then fashioned it with pride.

For those who follow Christ we are given a clear benchmark.  Jesus made it very clear that the image of God imprinted on was our love for each other.  This is how people are to know we are the genuine article.  This is how they are to see that we are truly the product of God’s love.  John 13:34-35 “I'm giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other."  

Notice how specific Christ is about the depth of our love for each other.  We are to love each other “in the same way” that Christ loves us.  So to know what the benchmark looks like we must consider the ways in which Christ loves us.  His love is that kind that sacrifices, gives, is patient, kind, and temperate.  His love is not self-seeking.  It does not argue or assert its own needs over the needs of others.

A friend of mine made some very harsh remarks about Christians recently because of the inaction of some as regards things that are genuinely wrong.  Even inaction can dampen the ability of those who do not follow Christ to see him in us.  We must constantly be vigilant concerning our need to reflect that quality that God is crafting in us. 

From the love that Christ wishes to mark us with flows every other aspect of the Imago Dei in his followers.  If we do not proceed from this focal point we will not be able to show all others that we are his.  We will not be seen as genuine.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."