Discover Your Sacred Worth: Understanding Your Divine Origin and Purpose
Adapted from: Our Origin Story by Sam Holm
Ever feel like the world is constantly telling you who you should be? Between social media, cultural pressures, and endless opinions, it's easy to lose sight of something fundamental: you were made in the image of God. That's not just a nice religious phrase—it's your origin story, and it changes everything.
Your Identity: Made in God's Image
Genesis 1:26-27 reveals something revolutionary: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness... So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.'"
Think about what this meant to the original audience. The Israelites had just escaped Egypt, where massive statues of Pharaoh dotted the landscape, symbolizing his rule and declaring that only he bore the divine image. But God flipped that script entirely. Every single person—not just kings or rulers—carries His image.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "There are no gradations in the image of God." There are no levels, no ranks. From the elderly to the unborn, from the powerful to the marginalized, every human life has sacred, inherent value.
This isn't about physical appearance. God is spirit. Being made in His image means we can think critically, live morally, communicate relationally, and—incredibly—have a relationship with our Creator. You're not just another animal on this planet. You're an image-bearer with divine dignity.
Your Purpose: Rule and Reign with God
But God didn't stop at giving us identity. He gave us purpose. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed humanity and said, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." This is your invitation to partner with God in bringing order, creating good, and valuing life on earth.
History proves this truth. Wherever the biblical vision of humanity takes hold, transformation follows. Christianity elevated women, protected babies, cared for the poor, abolished slavery, and demanded equal justice. When people understand they're made in God's image, human dignity expands. When that truth is denied, dignity collapses.
You have a sacred calling—not despite your imperfections, but because God chose to breathe His life into you.
Living Out Your Identity Today
So what does this mean practically? It means every life matters—from the womb to the tomb. It means biological gender, as God designed it, is good and purposeful. It means when we encounter people wrestling with identity questions or facing crisis pregnancies, we respond like Jesus.
Remember the woman caught in adultery? Religious leaders wanted to stone her, but Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Then He turned to her with love: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
That's our model: don't throw stones, extend grace, point toward truth that leads to flourishing. We can't expect people to follow Jesus until they know His love and forgiveness. Then, as disciples, we help each other live in ways that honor God and lead to abundant life.
This Sunday is Sanctity of Life Sunday, a reminder that protecting and valuing human life isn't political—it's theological. Organizations like Hope Women's Center embody this mission, serving thousands annually with medical care, adoption services, parenting classes, and the life-changing message of Jesus. Last year, 80% of their pregnant patients chose life—a testament to what happens when people are loved well and shown their sacred worth.
Your Next Step
Understanding your origin story isn't just head knowledge—it's meant to transform how you live. This week, take time to reflect: Do I truly believe I'm made in God's image? Am I living out the sacred purpose He's given me?
If you're wrestling with identity questions, past regrets, or wondering how God sees you, remember: where sin flows, grace overflows. Jesus didn't come to condemn but to offer abundant life. The Guttmacher Institution reports that one in four women have had an abortion—if that's part of your story, know that God's grace is sufficient. Healing begins where hiding ends.
Connect with a local church, explore resources on biblical identity, or reach out to ministries that can walk alongside you. Consider volunteering with organizations that protect life, mentor young people struggling with identity, or simply live out your God-given purpose in your workplace, family, and community.
You're not alone, and your life has immeasurable worth. You are made in the image of God, and you have a sacred purpose to fulfill.
Ever feel like the world is constantly telling you who you should be? Between social media, cultural pressures, and endless opinions, it's easy to lose sight of something fundamental: you were made in the image of God. That's not just a nice religious phrase—it's your origin story, and it changes everything.
Your Identity: Made in God's Image
Genesis 1:26-27 reveals something revolutionary: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness... So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.'"
Think about what this meant to the original audience. The Israelites had just escaped Egypt, where massive statues of Pharaoh dotted the landscape, symbolizing his rule and declaring that only he bore the divine image. But God flipped that script entirely. Every single person—not just kings or rulers—carries His image.
As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "There are no gradations in the image of God." There are no levels, no ranks. From the elderly to the unborn, from the powerful to the marginalized, every human life has sacred, inherent value.
This isn't about physical appearance. God is spirit. Being made in His image means we can think critically, live morally, communicate relationally, and—incredibly—have a relationship with our Creator. You're not just another animal on this planet. You're an image-bearer with divine dignity.
Your Purpose: Rule and Reign with God
But God didn't stop at giving us identity. He gave us purpose. In Genesis 1:28, God blessed humanity and said, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it." This is your invitation to partner with God in bringing order, creating good, and valuing life on earth.
History proves this truth. Wherever the biblical vision of humanity takes hold, transformation follows. Christianity elevated women, protected babies, cared for the poor, abolished slavery, and demanded equal justice. When people understand they're made in God's image, human dignity expands. When that truth is denied, dignity collapses.
You have a sacred calling—not despite your imperfections, but because God chose to breathe His life into you.
Living Out Your Identity Today
So what does this mean practically? It means every life matters—from the womb to the tomb. It means biological gender, as God designed it, is good and purposeful. It means when we encounter people wrestling with identity questions or facing crisis pregnancies, we respond like Jesus.
Remember the woman caught in adultery? Religious leaders wanted to stone her, but Jesus said, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone." Then He turned to her with love: "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."
That's our model: don't throw stones, extend grace, point toward truth that leads to flourishing. We can't expect people to follow Jesus until they know His love and forgiveness. Then, as disciples, we help each other live in ways that honor God and lead to abundant life.
This Sunday is Sanctity of Life Sunday, a reminder that protecting and valuing human life isn't political—it's theological. Organizations like Hope Women's Center embody this mission, serving thousands annually with medical care, adoption services, parenting classes, and the life-changing message of Jesus. Last year, 80% of their pregnant patients chose life—a testament to what happens when people are loved well and shown their sacred worth.
Your Next Step
Understanding your origin story isn't just head knowledge—it's meant to transform how you live. This week, take time to reflect: Do I truly believe I'm made in God's image? Am I living out the sacred purpose He's given me?
If you're wrestling with identity questions, past regrets, or wondering how God sees you, remember: where sin flows, grace overflows. Jesus didn't come to condemn but to offer abundant life. The Guttmacher Institution reports that one in four women have had an abortion—if that's part of your story, know that God's grace is sufficient. Healing begins where hiding ends.
Connect with a local church, explore resources on biblical identity, or reach out to ministries that can walk alongside you. Consider volunteering with organizations that protect life, mentor young people struggling with identity, or simply live out your God-given purpose in your workplace, family, and community.
You're not alone, and your life has immeasurable worth. You are made in the image of God, and you have a sacred purpose to fulfill.
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