Reflections on . . . Genesis 1:27: Created in God's image

Carolyn Bergen

My two-year-old son insists that I or my husband read from his "Bibow stowy book" prior to each bedtime. One of the first stories we read to him was the story of creation. His toddler Bible paraphrases part of Genesis 1 as follows: "Then God made someone very special. He made Adam." My son Adam, not at all surprised that his name was mentioned, turned his smiling face with sparkling eyes toward me and exuberantly shouted, "Yeah!" With child-like innocence, he freely accepted that God made him and sees him as special. He believes the Bible talks about him personally!

Do I really live the reality that Adam can so freely attest to? Do I recognize that I was created in God's image, that I am a marvellous creation formed by the Master? That truth would mean that I treat my body as a temple. It would mean that I would challenge my mind with things worthy of my specialness. It would mean that I would nurture my soul, believing that it is worthwhile to do so because I am exceptional.

I am created, down to the tiniest detail, by the omnipotent God of the universe. But do I really believe that the Bible was talking about me when it states: "In the image of God He created them"? Do I believe in my worth and celebrate with God, " Yeah, I am special!"? My son Adam believes. Do I?

Carolyn Bergen of Winnipeg, Man.

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