Genesis 1:26–27 says: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’ So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them.”
Some people interpret this verse to suggest that because both male and female were created in God’s likeness, there must be a “Mother God” in the same way Scripture speaks of God the Father. But the Bible does not teach the idea of a Mother God. The focus of this passage is not on God having a physical male or female form, but on mankind being created in the image and likeness of God.
Male and female are different, and they may have different roles, but both are equally created in the image of God. The likeness of God is not mainly about physical appearance. It is about spiritual, moral, and relational likeness.
As I was pondering this, I was reminded of my days working in engineering. The cables we used had male and female connectors. On the outside, the connectors were different because they had different functions. But at the core, the wires inside were the same. The number of wires, the colors, and the purpose remained the same. The difference was in the connector, which helped one connect to the other.
In a similar way, men and women may differ outwardly and functionally, but at the core, both carry the image and likeness of God. Both have value, purpose, responsibility, and the ability to reflect God’s nature.
So what does it mean to be created in the likeness of God?
Unlike the rest of creation, human beings were created with a unique design and purpose. We have a conscience that helps us recognize right from wrong. Animals often act by instinct, but humans are able to make moral choices.
God is compassionate, and He placed the earth under mankind’s care. This means we have a responsibility to show care, kindness, and stewardship over creation and toward one another.
God is also the Creator of the universe, and He has given human beings the ability to think, imagine, design, build, and solve complex problems. Our creativity reflects something of the Creator who made us.
There is also fellowship within God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God created human beings for fellowship too — fellowship with family, community, friends, and most importantly, fellowship with Him. We were not created to live in isolation, but to live in relationship with God and with others.
So the next time we read that we were made in the image and likeness of God, let us not focus only on male or female, or on outward appearance. Instead, let us ask ourselves: Are we reflecting the likeness of God in our character? Are we compassionate? Are we using the creativity God has given us? Are we making conscious choices to do what is right? Are we walking in fellowship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
The focus is not what God looks like. The focus is whether mankind reflects the nature, character, and purpose of God.
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