Image Bearers | May 23, 2019

DAILY READING

Colossians 1:15-23
Psalm 95
This week’s sermon text: Matthew 5:43-48

FIELD NOTES

It is a mind-blowing thing to think that, in the person of Jesus, we see the “image of the invisible God.” This is one reason why reading scripture is so important—in the life and ministry of Jesus, revealed in scripture, we get a picture of God’s true nature. In modeling our lives after Jesus, we aren’t just trying to be good or earn a ticket into heaven. We are attempting to live with the same peace and goodness that is in God.
 
In my life, there are plenty of people that I’ve attempted to model my life after over the years. Most of the time, these are people that I look up to; people who I value because of their wisdom and love for others. There have also been people that I’ve followed and imitated who have been less than life giving, and this has often caused me to act in ways that I regret.
 
But how often do I wake up in the morning and think, “Today, I want to be more like God.” Note: this is different than saying I want to be God (that would be self-idolatry, and we already have way too many people walking around that think they are some sort of minor deity). No, this is a question about the kind of life I want to live and the way I want to treat the world around me.
 
We are all walking around as the image of something or someone. What image are you bearing today?

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD 

• What image are you bearing today? Is it the image of God or of something lesser?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What do you think it means to live like Jesus?
• How can your life look more like God today?

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord God, make me more like Jesus today. I want to live with and love and be in peace with those around me. Help me reflect you and your values for the world this day. Amen.