Try as we might, the picture of the world doesn’t look like what God intended at creation.
He gave us charge over the animals, the land, and told us to be fruitful. The last phase before rest, He declared all of it to be “very good.” We, His beautiful people, were splendid and He was content.
Genesis 1:27-31 NIV
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.
God saw all that he had made,
and it was very good.
As we reflect God’s image, we should reflect His attitudes of peace, goodness, love, mercy, grace and all else that He is. However, the world just doesn’t look this way anymore. People suffer, nature dies, hatred and disarray run rampant, and indifference is a plague. People just don’t care about each other, life, or God.
This place is nothing like the world that God originally designed. Our brokenness and bondage to sin has caused overall turmoil.
How can we make the world right again? Can we share justice, mercy, and love with a broken creation without them trying to break us down with them? What can we do to reflect the Lord’s grace as we step out in faith to reach the few while striving for the masses?
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
We are told to go. This pays no attention to the spewing disbelief and hatred that will be along the way. Just go. As we strive to represent the kingdom well, may the Spirit help us to fulfill the Lord’s will and to finish well.
By striving to represent God's kingdom well and asking for wisdom and discernment, we can go without fear, and share the hope of the Gospel in faith. Click To TweetHebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
As the Lord calls us, may we be able to be part of the work that puts the pieces of the broken world back together through humility and service. When He says go, there should be no hesitation and no looking back. The path that is behind us is already nullified by our actions. We can move forward in the hope of getting back to being part of that very good creation mindset in the garden. By striving to represent God’s kingdom well and asking for wisdom and discernment, we can go without fear, and share the hope of the Gospel in faith.
This post comes from the 20 Days of Devotionals series.
I’ve learned that I am the gospel–the way I live my life sends a message–I want it to be a message of hope and love.
So true – we can all play a part in making the world a better place and reflecting God to those around us!
By our actions in Christ, people will see Jesus’ love for them. This post is a powerful reminder, thank you!
“By striving to represent God’s kingdom well and asking for wisdom and discernment, we can go without fear, and share the hope of the Gospel in faith.” Amen Every little part we do in obedience to God is never wasted. We can make a difference! Blessings to you!