In His Image
Genesis 1:26, 27
When we read the Bible’s examples given in James 3 of a bit in the mouth of a horse, a small rudder steering a large ship, and a spark capable of setting an entire forest on fire, these three illustrations seem to have nothing in common. But the metaphor correlates to the tongue: Something seemingly so minute has the power to steer, move, and effect something so large. Why does man possess this power and where did it originate? To answer these questions, we don’t have to look far, but we find our answer in the first chapter of the book of Genesis. The Bible gives an account of creation and describes six days which God used to create the earth. What I don’t want you to miss is throughout the six days of creation, whether it was to make light govern the day and night on day four, or separating waters from waters on day two, when God created the earth, there’s no mention of a heavenly hammer, angelic nails, or even a trip to a Trinitarian hardware store (excuse my corny biblical humor)! The primary tool God used to create the earth was His words. In all six days of creation before anything was formed, you will find the phrase “And God said.” It was only after God spoke that the sun, moon, birds, crawling creatures, sea animals, and man was created.
“And God said” (Genesis 1)
Day 1 (1:3), Day 2 (1:6), Day 3 (1:9), Day 4 (1:14), Day 5 (1:20), Day 6 (1:24, 26)
Four Ways Man is Like God
On the sixth and final day of creation before God rested, God saved his best for last: the greatest masterpiece of all (Ephesians 2:10 NLT), you and me. But what makes us so special? Why are we greater than anything in all of creation and placed on a higher platform above the animals? The Bible says God created man, but, just as important, it reads, God created mankind in His own image. It’s imperative we understand the word “image” does not mean an exact duplicate, but it does mean when God created man, we were to reflect (or show forth) some of God’s characteristics and attributes. Like God, we have been given the ability to,
(1) choose (Deuteronomy 30:19, Joshua 24:15)
(2) reason (Job 13:3 KJV, Isaiah 1:18 KJV, 1 Corinthians 13:11 NASB, AMP)
(3) discern right from wrong (we have a conscience: Romans 2:15)
(4) speak (Exodus 4:11, Ezekiel 33:22 NLT)
Creative Power (Why You’re Special)
Again, don’t forget man is made in the image of God. This means that like God, we have the ability to speak, and, like God, in Genesis 1, when we speak we can use creative words to communicate ideas. After God created Adam, giving him a tongue, he permitted Adam to use it and name all of the animals God had made. Since God had given Adam permission to govern the earth (Genesis 1:28 NLT) and dominion over all of the animals (Genesis 1:26 KJV), Adam received a God given authority to name (Genesis 2:19, 20). This is the first of many examples we read in scripture of man speaking something out of his mouth, and whatever man speaks (or in other words names) becomes what he says. No other creature in all of creation has this God-given ability; this is what makes us so special. As I stated in last month’s devotional, Proverbs 18:21 NLT tells us we reap the consequences of what we speak. Proverbs 12:18 NIV warns us not to talk recklessly because our words pierce like a sword. Psalms 141:3 NIV informs us that our mouths are a “door.” In other words, whether trouble or sickness seems to keep coming in, or blessings and favor seem to keep walking out, more times than not it can be traced back to our mouths. Once we understand the creative (naming) power God has granted us, it would behoove us to give more attention to the words we speak.
The Bible informs us that man by himself cannot tame his tongue (James 3:8). Contrary to many popular self-help opinions, we do not possess the will power alone to not speak negatively. Our tongues must be brought under subjection to the Holy Spirit. We must spend time daily in prayer and Bible study, where we are given God’s words to speak.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank you for loving me enough to inform me of the power of my tongue. I ask for your forgiveness, and I repent of all of the sins of my mouth. I pray like Psalms 141:3 that Holy Spirit would be the guard over my mouth, and I would only speak words of life that build up and not tear down. Help me to go to my brother and sister, my fellow man, those whom I have wounded with my tongue and apologize to them. From this day forward I choose to speak blessings and life and turn in any negative situation into the garden of Eden by the words I speak. I pray that you would convict of any negative words I speak that are contrary to what You’ve said in your word. Help me to spend time daily with You that You may give me new words to say. In Jesus name, AMEN.