Made Like Him

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26)

The first thing God ever said about humanity wasn’t about what we would do but about who we are called to be. God spoke identity over Adam before Adam ever said a word or lifted a finger. Genesis 1 defines our origin as human beings. God did not give dominion because of man’s talent or ability; He gave dominion because man bore His image. Dominion flows from likeness. When we forget who we look like, we misuse what we’ve been given. God didn't dig ditches, shape trees, or lift stones to create the world. He spoke, and what He said became reality. That's how God works.

When God made man, He made him to work in the same way. Genesis 1 shows us a speaking God, and Genesis 2 introduces a working man. But notice that work was given before the fall. Humanity was always called to work, and it was never meant to be burdensome. Adam was placed in the garden to tend and guard it, not to sweat for survival. The labor in Eden wasn't exhausting. It was meant to be expressive, so Adam’s assignment flowed from his alignment with God. If God creates with words, and we are made in His image, then our words are never neutral. When we align our words with the Word of God, we shape reality to be Heaven here on earth. If we curse and complain, we diminish what God is doing and bring curses into the earth in those spaces.

Practical Application

Own Your Assignment. What God has called you to requires not just the works of your hands but also the words of your mouth. Speak over your business, your workplace, your home, and your family with purpose, knowing that you have dominion and authority given by God.

James 3:9; Genesis 5:1