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              WE ARE ALL CREATED IN GOD’S IMAGE

“Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of
heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

Genesis 1:26-28

“Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish
of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping
thing that creeps upon the earth." So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him;
male and female He created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply,
and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and
over every living thing that moves upon the earth."”

There are two things taught in the above text that I would like to point out:
1) God created human beings
2) God created us in His image.

I want to shift my focus here just a little but please be certain that the underlying theme will remain the same:
                        “We are all created in Gods Image.”

Sometimes while reflecting on my own limitations—frustrated by them and accepting them at the same time,
the occasional disappointments often help me in better understanding and appreciating the realities and
difficulties of other individuals who struggle for any number of reasons.

First, I believe it is safe to say that our limitations as believers are temporary. We all face and/or deal with our
own human limitations. One in which we all share is the time we have on this earth. Although the number of
years may vary from one individual to another, our days are clearly numbered.

In addition, and because we are all born into sin and only by grace alone through faith in Christ Jesus are we
delivered from the inevitable second death, with the exception of those believers who are alive at the return of
Christ, we will all face the death of our bodies. However, for those who deny the Christ as their Lord and
Savior they will both die spiritually and suffer eternal judgment: eternal separation from God.

There are other limitations; those who suffer emotionally often in a state of brokenness and/or with physical
disabilities are especially aware of this. Now I do not want to make light of any disability, for often it is with
great effort that folks get through the day attempting to accomplish what many of us take for granted. And
some folks do so in misery and suffering.

However, for those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, they will find salvation, eternal life, with a special
peace, even comfort in the promise, which is for all who believe, there is true healing for those who know
Him and have cast their burdens upon Him. The Lord states in His Word, in Matthew 11:29, 30: “Take My
yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
“For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

So what does that say? “Take my yoke upon you"—Strange paradox! that a man already weary and
overloaded must take a new weight upon him, in order to be eased and find rest! But this advice is similar to
that saying in, Psalm 55:22: Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will sustain thee; i.e. trust thy soul and
concerns to him, and he will carry both thyself and thy load.”[1]

I am convinced that regarding God’s elect no matter how the world may judge, persecute and/or neglect His
little ones, whatever their situation they can never be separated from the love of God. “For I am persuaded,
that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

Now, despite the reality of that fact, in this realm and in my humble opinion there are many individuals who
possibly due to the fear of rejection and/or because of the way society has so often judged them already, or,
maybe due to their hardness of heart and blindness to the truth they are not sure where to go. As a result,
they simply do not find the help they need. Often, caught in their struggle, feeling hopeless and stuck, they
live a desperate existence from day to day wondering at times if God really even cares.

There are also those who due to some challenge, disability or simply put, the lack of awareness due to their
age, maturity or level of cognizance, they haven’t the ability to consider these truths and/or struggles, or, they
fail to see to their own needs let alone, reach out to someone for help. Many of these, dear souls I speak of
are children of all ages often humanly speaking, the most innocent of children.

Without the ability, or, the cognitive wherewithal to make the simple decisions in life and to choose to serve
the Lord, these individuals need our help, God’s love, protection and guidance even in the simplest of
circumstances.

Those with challenges, individuals suffering for any reason for that matter are all God’s creation, His children
created in His image. All “people are the crown of God’s creative activity, the most significant of [all*] His
creatures:
Again, . . . . Human beings are, created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-28). The primary emphasis
(however*) appears to be spiritual. This image was marred by sin, and can be seen clearly in John 14:7-9,
wherein Jesus says, ““If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you
know Him, and have seen Him.” 8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”
9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who
has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

By God’s grace alone, this image is being recreated in Christians, as seen in Col 3:9-11: “you laid aside the old
self with its evil practices, 10and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge
according to the image of the One who created him— 11a renewal in which there is no distinction between
Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and
in all.”

A part of the image of God is seen in human responsibility for the world and all that is in it. (This would
include those trapped in their neurological prisons; those with challenges who depend on others for survival
every day of their lives*) We must use the world (and the numerous resources available*) and our own gifts
in accord with God’s will. Thus we are ultimately responsible to Him [God Almighty*]for our acts and for
our choices. ”[2]

“The commands of God and people’s choices to obey or not to obey further expand our understanding of the
image of God (Genesis 2:17). Humanity’s freedom of choice is a reflection of God’s absolute freedom. The
sense of right and wrong within the human conscience is also such a reflection (Ro 2:12-16). A further
reflection of the divine image lies in the great potential that people possess (Genesis 11:1-9). The value of
this potential can be seen in the way people use it (Genesis 4:17-22). At its highest, however, it is still
limited (Job 28)[3]

The reflection of God in human personality ultimately places value on people (Mt 16:26). The final
evaluation of human worth is seen in the price God paid for humanity’s redemption. In John 3:16, Scripture
states, ““For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall
not perish, but have eternal life.” God’s love places ultimate worth on His human creatures ”[4] (no matter
what their disability*)

“We live in a fallen world where good behavior is not always rewarded and bad behavior not always
punished. Therefore, innocent people sometimes suffer. (However*) If God took suffering away whenever
we asked, we would follow him for comfort and convenience, not out of love and devotion. Regardless of the
reasons for our suffering, Jesus has the power to help us deal with it.”[5] He also has the power to deliver
our children.

In closing: I ask you to consider being a part of the process of growth and healing for those who suffer for
whatever the reason. Often, and very unfortunately some individuals make choices that got them where they
are. Some folks have not the luxury to make such choices, they are prisoners of their disability.

My prayer today is that the Lord has put it on your hearts to be part of the solution for a population so it
would seem that is right here in our communities seemingly lost and desperately waiting and wanting for
anyone to reach out to them, to help them help themselves, and that to the Glory of God.

Yours, in and by His Grace alone,

Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Miller, C.Ph.D. Pastoral Counselor
N.C.C.A. Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor

* Indicates a thought or word inserted by Tom Miller
[1] ADAM CLARKE’S COMMENTARY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT by Adam Clarke, LL.D., F.S.A.,
etc. PARSONS TECHNOLOGY, INC. Cedar Rapids, Iowa
[2] Taken in part from Disciples Study Bible, First Edition Copyright: Copyright © 1988Electronic Edition
[3] Taken in part from Disciples Study Bible, First Edition Copyright: Copyright © 1988Electronic Edition
[4] Title: Disciples Study Bible Edition: First Copyright: Copyright © 1988Electronic Edition STEP Files
Copyright © 1998, Parsons Technology, Inc.
[5] The Handbook of Bible Application, Neil S. Wilson, Editor, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
WHEATON, ILLINOIS-electronic addition on QuickVerse-Parsons Technology, Inc.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Miller, C.Ph.D.™
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