According to the Bible, God created the heavens, the earth and the animals before He created man. As such, man is His last and greatest creation. No other creation of God’s is described as being made in His image, apart from man. Therefore, we are set apart and above these other creations.

What does it mean that man was “made in God’s image?” Does it mean that God has two arms, two legs and a long flowing beard as depicted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel? (Of note, Michealangelo also painted a belly button on God, something that really makes no sense on so many levels.) No, Scripture does not imply a visual duplication of God; instead it refers to the nature of God. Like God, man can think and reason. We appreciate beauty and language. And unlike animals, we have an inner sense of morality and the ability to grasp deep concepts. This gives man the ability to commune with God, and that is the real reason God made us in His image. He desires a relationship with you and wants to fellowship with all mankind.

In the same passage, God addresses our relationship with the earth. One reason God made us in His image is that we are responsible for caring for all of God’s creation. We’re to be an intermediary between God and all of His creation. How can we manage it unless we stay close to God; unless we think like God; unless we’re able to fulfill the will of God? Part of having a relationship with God is having the right relationship with His creation. Being created in His image is an awesome gift, as well as a sacred responsibility.