Genesis 1:26-27

²⁶Then God said “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. ²⁷So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

The creation of humans was very special. God didn’t command man to appear as He did when He created light, land and vegetation and the rest. Instead, God held a discussion - a trialogue - before He created man. There was meticulous planning on the kind of creation man was to be, his purpose and function. God decided that man should go beyond and far above animals.

I Image of God: Human Components

1. There are similarities between God and humans.

Unlike other animals, humans have a semblance of God. They are not identical; they only have some form of similarity.

Looking at yourself, you may think that God is handsome or beautiful! Truly, every face has its own unique beauty, if we care to look for it!

2. God imparted some of His qualities to man.

1. Humans have personality. Humans are not animals. The development of one’s personality is up to the individual. He is free to become the person he wishes to be.

2. Humans have rationality. Because of the gift of the human will, man has the capacity to think. Man is special because he can think and select among many options. He can choose wisely by thoroughly weighing available data or he can make a quick selection with little or no assessment.

3. Humans have the capacity to communicate. Only humans can talk, discuss and argue. In the process they express their ideas, opinions, and feelings. Communication consists of verbal and non-verbal language, that is, we use words and body gestures to express ourselves. We can generally know if the other person is happy or displeased, whether he/she agrees or disagrees with us.

Communication is so important not only between friends but between countries or even enemies. Did you know in ancient times, when humans went to war, their weapons were much shorter than the weapons today? Fighting with swords and knives requires the proximity of the combatants. Even as they fought, they could still talk! And talking might end the fighting or the warrior’s life!

Today, without any verbal warning, missiles could be launched several thousands of kilometers away and result in mass destruction of both lives and property. World leaders recognize that crucial issues must be settled in a face-to-face discussion. people talk, the possibility of peace is greater.

4. Humans have the capacity to establish relationship.

Animal babies depend on their parents for only short periods. They mature quickly and soon find their own food and shelter. Animals may live in a flock, herd or pack but that is vastly different from a human family.

Human dependency on parents take years and sometimes - a lifetime. Humans have the capacity to develop inter-personal, familial, social and international relationships.

At first, Adam was all alone and God was not pleased with creating a bachelor. Man was designed and created for intimacy. Hence, human marriage and family were instituted. Relationships between the parents, among parents and children, and among siblings developed.

Outside the family, relationships among friends, neighbors, co-workers and those with common interests evolved. Only humans have multiple interpersonal relationships and varying degrees of intimacy.

3. Humans are gifted with a will.

This is the best gift God gave to man. The freedom to choose belongs only to humans. This ability is both a right and a responsibility! God will not interfere in how you use it, be it for good or evil; the choice is left to the individual. To eat the forbidden fruit or not was a choice. There are equal chances for both, but one can decide to focus on one and not the other. Decide and do what you want and do it well. You can choose your own destiny and destination. No one can stop you and even God cannot override it. The Omnipotent God is rendered helpless as far as exercise of the human will is concerned!

But humans must also remember that with exercising the will comes a responsibility. For every choice made and action done, they would be heard and judged in God’s court. When cases are rested, appropriate verdict would be pronounced. Each person would be rewarded or punished accordingly. Consequences would be enjoyed or endured. Some are momentary, some temporary and some, are eternal.

II Likeness of God: Functions

          Gen 1:26-27

so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over livestock and all the wild animals and over all the creatures that move along the ground.

Gen 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it.

The functions of Adam and Eve were to have DOMINION and MANAGEMENT of the animals. They were to “rule over” all animal forms.

1. “Rule over” indicates stewardship

As stewards, they didn’t own the animals; God owned them. Man was not free to do whatever he liked with the animals but to do what God wanted.

People were to take care of animals so that they would be able to fulfill their purpose. God wanted not only to sustain animal life but also to maintain and continue their existence. God’s plan was for the animals to grow and multiply. But today, we have the problem of endangered species and the need for conservation; humans have generally neglected their responsibility for animals.

Animals are slaughtered for medicine, aesthetics or food. Some animals are highly-valued for their body parts - and lucrative businesses continue to thrive despite restrictions. Earning big money today is more important than the balance and preservation of the world; wealth has more value and priority than the divine Word with its original design and purpose.

Destruction of the environment and the living things in it devastates ecosystems, ultimately affecting the quality of life for humans. Suffering would be the ultimate result of man’s abuse, disregard and exploitation. Man will reap the ultimate result of their wilful disobedience.

2. “Rule over” indicates care and preservation of the environment. It is imperative to take care of our world for it is the home not only of animals but of all humans. The abuse of the environment renders not only animals being homeless but humans as well. The primary responsibility of man is to till and care for the garden.

Mining and logging are the two major forms of environmental destruction. While they are lucrative businesses, they benefit only a few and threaten the health, food supply and productivity of many more people. Many governments have laws to protect the environment, but their efforts are not effective because of corruption and greed of some government officials and companies. God gave man the ability and authority to work for and with the environment, not against it!

Look at the state of our environment in the world today. For example, most experts agree that global warming and climate change are directly attributed to man’s abuse of our natural resources. Can this downhill trend be stopped? Can evil be stopped?

Rev Dr Betia says, “The answer to these questions depends on man’s choice. The knowledge of good can nullify, reverse and override the evils that have dominated the world. The world can go on in the opposite direction and be reclaimed only if man chooses to do so. Only the future will show up our present choices.”

Yes, the future is determined by our present choices. Do join us next week for more insights by Rev Dr Betia.