Mirror, Mirror on the Soul
What does it really mean to be made in the image and likeness of God?
Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought,
“This is the image and likeness of God? Really? With these eyebrows?”
It’s okay. Most of us have been there.
We tend to imagine God’s image as something grand and glowing, a stained-glass perfection with radiant light beaming out of our pores. But instead, we get dark circles, stubborn belly fat, and the occasional chin hair that seems to sprout with the force of biblical rebellion.
Still, Scripture doesn’t lie:
“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
—Genesis 1:26
So what does that really mean? If it’s not about flawless skin or symmetrical bone structure (thank God), then what exactly is the “image” we’re made in?
Let’s clear up a few things:
1. It’s Not About Looking Like God’s Yearbook Photo
God doesn’t have a body like ours—at least not until the Incarnation. So being made in His image isn’t about physical appearance. It’s not that God has your nose or your grandmother’s cheekbones. It’s about who you are, not what you look like.
The image of God lives in the soul—in our ability to reason, to choose, to create, to love.
Dogs are loyal. Birds can sing. But only human beings can look at the stars and ask,
“Why do I exist?”
Only we can say yes or no to love.
Only we can freely choose to reflect our Maker or turn away from Him.
That power is divine. And a little terrifying.
2. Being Made in God’s Image Is a Gift—Not an Achievement
You don’t earn it. You don’t level up into God’s image after 10 consecutive good deeds and a clean confession. You were born with it. That includes the baby who’s never spoken a word, the elderly man who no longer remembers his name, and yes—even that person you really, really don’t like. They’re in the image too.
It's humbling.
The barista with the bad attitude? Image of God.
Your least favorite politician? Still the image of God.
You, on your worst day, with your least flattering sin?
Still. Image. Of. God.
3. God’s Image Isn’t Static. It’s Dynamic.
Think of it this way: God gave us a mirror, but He didn’t glue it to the wall.
We can polish it or smudge it.
We can turn it toward the light or shove it in a dark drawer.
But the mirror never stops being a mirror. It just may need cleaning.
The more we live in truth, goodness, and love, the more clearly the divine image shines. And when we fall, God's grace is the Windex.
So the next time you’re tempted to feel worthless—or tempted to treat someone else like they are—remember this:
You were made in the image and likeness of a God who laughs, who creates beauty, who is love.
You’re not just a random pile of cells with a Wi-Fi signal. You’re a reflection of infinite glory.
Even with the chin hair.
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