Imago Dei

Introduction:

This was the sermon topic from Pastor Stephan Bell today, November 23, 2025. The message this morning was the inspiration for this writing. How do we live in the image of God?

Dei, translated from Hebrew to English, means God. Imago means image, so together it means Image of God. Vast examples of His presence can be seen, heard, and felt throughout our spirit. Eventually, as Christians, we must recognize and live our lives as vessels created in the image of God for service to God. Realizing this truth is what separates Christians, believers, and followers of Jesus from the world. Seeing as how we live in a world of different races, cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, it can be hard not to fall into worldly desires and forfeit what God has planned for our lives. Instead of trying to adopt the world view, allow the world to adopt our view of treating people with kindness and love, while also being willing to stand apart and disapprove of what the world accepts. Today, and every day, you have the opportunity to shine as a beacon of light illuminated by God. Yesterday is gone, so do not try to relive your past, but embrace where God is taking you and how He is encouraging you to become more like Him.

Equality is something we should all aim for in our journey with the Lord. Quit finding ways to separate yourselves from people who look, think, or live differently than you. Unite with other believers to strengthen our brotherhood and sisterhood. Iron sharpens iron, as we are taught in Proverbs 27 verse 17. This journey is not a competition to see who can excel the highest. You should see it more as a bond that improves alongside others so that everyone can grow.

In considering how to live for God, we must first know who He is. Not just surface level knowledge, but a deep spiritual connection to the creator of the universe. Connecting with other believers helps us learn, study, and share God together. Learning requires discipline, structure, and intentionality. Use your time wisely so that God can pour into you and allow you to pour into others. Surrender your will to our Father and trust that He can do far more than you could ever ask or imagine, and to Him be the glory for all generations, Ephesians chapter 3 verses 20 and 21. Introduce other people to an all knowing and all loving God just as someone once introduced Him to you. On another note, never look down on someone else’s journey or disregard their ability because they are still being shaped, just as we are still being shaped into the vessels God desires. Now is the time to join together with others and unite, because we are all adopted into the family of believers.

Conclusion:

Valuing others, trusting God, and fulfilling His purpose is how we can live in the image of God, Imago Dei. If you just read this, those with a keen eye will notice the middle three paragraphs form an acrostic, and each sentence within them forms one as well. I believe that if we embrace what those acrostics spell out, we can truly live in the image of God. Let me know in the comments if you figured them out.

Author: Travis White | 11-23-2025