Dr. Charles Kraft discusses self-image and identity in a session, emphasizing that humans are created in God’s image and valued by Him. He highlights the importance of understanding our worth, being redeemed, and being entrusted with the Holy Spirit. The script encourages listeners to embrace their identity as God’s masterpiece and live accordingly.
Self-image issues can stem from mistranslations of scripture, particularly in Psalm 8, where the true meaning of humanity’s status before God is obscured. Understanding our value as creations of God is essential for a healthy self-image.
What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
According to the video, being created in God’s image means that:
- Humans have intrinsic worth and value. As God’s image bearers, we have inherent dignity and deserve to be treated with respect.
- Humans have the ability to reason, make moral judgments, and have a relationship with God. These capacities reflect the image of our Creator.
- Humans are set apart from the rest of creation. We have a unique role and responsibility as God’s representatives on earth.
- Humans have the capacity for creativity, innovation, and the ability to cultivate and steward the earth. This reflects the creative nature of God.
- Humans have the potential to reflect God’s character through virtues like love, mercy, justice, and holiness. We are called to live in a way that honors and glorifies God.
How can we improve our self-image, according to Kraft?
According to the video by Dr. Charles Kraft, there are several key ways we can improve our self-image:
- Recognize that we are created in God’s image. We are not lower than angels or heavenly beings but made a little lower than God himself. This gives us inherent dignity and worth.
- Understand that God planned and chose us before the creation of the world. We are not mistakes or accidents, but intentionally created by God.
- Realize that we have been redeemed and adopted into God’s family as princes and princesses. We are heirs with Christ, highly valued by God.
- Remember that we have been entrusted with the Holy Spirit, showing the trust and authority God has placed in us.
- Meditate on the fact that Jesus permanently took on human form and now intercedes for us in heaven, identifying with us as one of us.
The key is to counter the lies and negative self-talk from the enemy by reminding ourselves of the truths about our identity and value in God’s eyes. Kraft encourages us to “lift our heads” and boldly approach God’s throne, experiencing His love and acceptance. This can help transform our self-image to align with how God sees us.
What role does redemption play in our identity?
Redemption is crucial in shaping our identity as God’s image bearers. The key ways redemption impacts our identity are:
- Redeemed identity – Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been redeemed from sin and adopted into God’s family. We are no longer defined by our past failures or brokenness, but by our new status as God’s children.
- Royal identity – As redeemed people, we have been elevated to a royal status as “princes and princesses.” We are co-heirs with Christ, granted authority and responsibility.
- Indwelling of the Holy Spirit – The video states that the presence of the Holy Spirit within us demonstrates the immense trust and value God places in us as His image bearers.
- Jesus’ identification with humanity – By taking on human form, Jesus permanently identifies with the human experience. This reinforces our dignity and worth as beloved creations made in God’s image.
- Eternal destiny – Redemption secures our eternal relationship with God, assuring us that our identity and value are not temporary, but will last forever.
The main point is that our broken, fallen identity is restored and elevated through redemption to reflect the original design and purpose of being created in God’s image. This redeemed identity is the foundation for how we are to see ourselves and live out our calling.