Be Imagers of God - Part One
What does it mean to be created in God’s image? “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27
We are created to be Image bearers (imagers) of God, to make Him known. God wants us to know Him well enough to represent him everywhere.
Annette was a pre-med intern to Guatemala City Dump YWAM Clinic. When asked why God led her to take the internship, Annette closed her fist, clenched her teeth, pounded her knee, and said, “I’m going to be a pediatrician.” Annette was from Wellesley College, Hilary Clinton’s alma mater. Annette knew Spanish better than anyone, so she could interpret for her fellow interns and the nurse. The intern team leader and a few of her team members told me things were not going well in the clinic. Annette’s strong personality made her seem bossy.
I stopped by the clinic to observe. There were several patients waiting, so I stood outside the door a moment. Annette caught my eye. She said, “John, we need someone to sweep the floor.” She pointed to the broom. I smiled and wedged my way into the clinic, grabbed the broom, and began to sweep. I asked Jesus what he thought of Annette. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “She is a leader…” (I immediately grinned. That was obvious!). Then, God spoke again, “But she is not using my gift my way.”
I asked Annette if we could meet after supper that evening. She agreed. “I prayed for you today, Annette. May I share what I believe God said?” She agreed. I told her, “God says you have a leadership gift.” She gleefully responded, “He did?” Then I asked if I may share something else. She agreed. “God said you’re not using His gift His way.” I asked, “Do you understand?” “No,” she replied. I said, “God gives the gift of leadership so we can build up and release others in their gifts. Can you do that?” She thought momentarily and said, “Yes, I can.”
The entire summer internship experience changed from that day forward. I watched how God gradually opened Annette up to listen more closely to God and respond to Him with gentleness and faithfulness.
I believe that conversation changed Annette’s life. God opened Annette’s fist and He opened her heart. When she last wrote to me, she was returning to Ho Chi Min City, Viet Nam, where she had been working with a Christian Medical Mission as a pediatrician. She wrote, “And God put me where I am now, so anyone should feel free to use that part of my life to share the work that He has done in me.”
“He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel.” Psalm 103:7