A recent discussion led by doctors Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears highlights the essence of living a life that reflects the image of God. Their insights draw from the book *Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe*, emphasizing that embodying God’s likeness involves a transformative journey guided by the Holy Spirit. This process not only fosters a deeper resemblance to Jesus but also allows individuals to mirror God’s glory, reminiscent of how Moses radiated divine brilliance following his encounter with God on Mt. Sinai.
The path to living a life that images God begins with a genuine belief in Christ as God’s Son, coupled with a heartfelt repentance from sin. This foundational step necessitates an ongoing, personal relationship with God that is characterized by humility and repentance. Driscoll and Breshears assert that true Christians cultivate a constant awareness of God’s presence in their lives. A notable quote encapsulates this idea: “A good Christian does not think less of himself; he just thinks of himself less.” The Apostle Paul reinforces this notion, encouraging believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with God in a secular world.
In today’s society, which many perceive as increasingly secular, the call to live in accordance with God’s teachings has never been more urgent. Driscoll and Breshears point to a decline in traditional family values, noting that many women resist the concept of submission to their husbands, while instances of children rebelling against parental authority are all too common. Such societal shifts challenge the Church’s teachings on submission, which extends beyond family structures to include respect for church leaders and governmental authorities, provided these do not conflict with God’s laws.
The authors urge Christians to seek every opportunity to serve God, adhering to the commandment to love Him above all. Obedience to God’s will is portrayed as the primary expression of this love. They highlight a troubling trend in contemporary society regarding the issue of abortion, which they define unequivocally as a form of murder. Driscoll, an anatomy and physiology educator, adamantly states that human life begins at conception, emphasizing the moral implications of abortion and the need for society to recognize the humanity of the unborn.
To genuinely love others, engagement within the Christian community is essential. The Bible encourages fellowship, as noted in Hebrews 10:25, which states, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” Driscoll and Breshears stress that to embody the title of Christian, believers must cultivate a close relationship with their Heavenly Father, echoing the message from James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”
James also cautions against mere passive observance of faith, urging Christians to take action: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). Acknowledging human imperfection, both authors highlight that while all individuals are sinners, they are also made in the image of God and should strive to reflect His character in their daily lives.
In conclusion, the insights shared by Driscoll and Breshears resonate deeply within the Christian community, urging believers to not only understand their faith but to actively live it out in a way that reflects God’s glory. As they navigate the complexities of modern life, Christians are called to embody the teachings of Christ, fostering a relationship with God that is vibrant, active, and transformative.
