September Week 2

Image of God
Week of September 14th

Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

Ask: Think about animals and people. What are some things that are the same about animals
and people? What are some things that are different?
Same: Most animals can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch; lots of animals can walk or move in some way;
animals need food, water, and shelter to survive; animals breathe air; animals grow, etc.
Different: People have complex relationships with one another; people can be creative and innovative; people
can speak; people have self-control and a conscious – we know right from wrong; people grow in knowledge
and wisdom (children might say, ‘people go to school’); etc.
Read: Genesis 1:27 – “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created
him; male and female He created them.”
Say: Last week, we talked about how God created the world and everything in it. Today, we
are going to take a closer look at the very special way God created people. When God created
solar systems and mountains and plants and animals, He spoke, and they came to be. But
when God created the first person – Adam – the Bible tells us that He formed Adam from the
ground and breathed life into him Himself (Genesis 2:7). When God made Eve, He formed her
using one of Adam’s ribs (Genesis 2:21-22). God was very personally involved with the
creation of people.
God also made people in “His image”. This is unique to people – no other living thing is made
in the image of God. What does it mean to be made in God’s image? It means that in some
ways, we are like God. We have the ability to think, create, and invent. We have the ability to
know right from wrong and can make choices. We can have relationships with other people
and, most importantly, we can have a relationship with God.
Of course, we are not like God in every way. Can you think of some ways we are not like God?
God is perfect in EVERYTHING He does. He is completely holy and pure. God is all-knowing
and all-powerful. God did not make us exactly like Himself, but He did give us the ability – and
responsibility – of being “image-bearers”: showing other people His love, kindness,
compassion, and forgiveness. We are like a mirror, reflecting God’s goodness to the world
around us.

Because all people are made in the image of God, we are special and valuable. Next week, we
will talk about how God made each one of us unique. Today, remember that you are made in
God’s image and are meant to reflect His love, mercy, and grace to the people around you.
Ask: What did God create in His image? How does that make you feel?
People are created in God’s image. This is an opportunity to point out that people are not animals. Animals are not made in the image of God. Only people are. Kids might say this makes them feel loved, special, etc.
Ask: What is something you could do to show others God’s love this week? Let’s pray and ask
God to help us be good “image-bearers”.
Ideas might include inviting other kids to play, helping someone, sharing toys, doing something nice for
someone, giving a compliment, writing someone a nice note, having a cheerful attitude, being kind to someone
who hasn’t been kind to you, etc. You can invite each child to pray or lead your family in a more general prayer.

Below are some OPTIONAL readings and activities for families who wish to spread the devotional over multiple days.

Go Deeper: Read Genesis 2:4-23. Talk about some of the ways that the creation of Adam and
Eve was different than the creation of everything else God made. God said that everything He
created was very good. What did God say was “not good” (verse 18)? How did God provide
for Adam’s need?
• Family Challenge Question: We talked about some ways that you can show others
God’s love. How could we as a family show others the goodness of God? What are
some things we could do together?
Ideas might include helping a neighbor with yard work, volunteering at a church event or ministry (like
Trunk or Treat or shoebox packing), ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas, inviting people
over for a meal, baking cookies for community servants like police officers or teachers, etc.
Activity Ideas
1. We learned that God formed Adam from the ground. Using play doh or kinetic sand, try
to “form” a person. Of course, you can’t breathe life into your person like God did with
Adam, but it may give you a sense of how involved God was in the creation of people.
2. Being an “image-bearer” starts at home! As a family, make a list of ways you can show
one another the goodness of God. Whether that is using kind words, sharing toys, or
helping around the house, practice being image-bearers to each other. For extra fun, get
some liquid chalk or dry erase markers and write ideas on the mirrors in your home,
reminding your kids to reflect God’s love and grace.