God’s CreationSample

### The God of Purpose Created People of Purpose Male and female were created in the dignity of God’s image and likeness, with unique abilities, and with superiority over the rest of God’s creation. God created humankind—both men and women—to live together in unity and harmony with Him and each other. Together, they are to be His representatives on the earth. He gave them dignity, equality, and divine purpose. God’s plan includes the dynamic of purpose. Adam and Eve were told to be fruitful and multiply. Inherent in this command is the reality that humanity is endowed with God-given procreative ability. He created the first man and woman and entrusted them the power to reproduce other godlike beings (Genesis 1:28). God instructed Adam and Eve to subdue the earth and have dominion over His creation. Inherent in this command is the reality that both men and women are endowed with God-given authority to rule and to have authority. Male and female were created to be God’s partners and to share His purpose. Humanity’s divine purpose is to represent God on this earth and fulfill His dream. Understanding God’s original plan is the only basis for true self-esteem. This is what enables the human person to fulfill his or her divinely predestined purpose. Our attitude toward people and how we value others should reflect God’s attitude toward them and how He values them. It is right to esteem what He values. Feelings of inferiority and jealousy are transformed into personal confidence with the realization that we are created with divine DNA, designed for God’s divine purpose. We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10). He has given each of us spiritual gifts and abilities to use for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4–7). Humankind was created to be in relationship with God and each other as one human family (John 17; Ephesians 3:14–15). This divine connection and reflection of God’s nature in humankind is the substance of the first scene of God’s big picture. It is here that human dignity, equality, and purpose are established. God, You commanded humankind to be fruitful, multiply, subdue the earth, and have dominion over creation. You want us to do good works with the gifts and abilities You gave us. Help us to understand how to fulfill Your purposes for us.