What Does it Mean to Bear God’s Image at Work?
- Dr. Shalini Jebasingh
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
One of the most powerful truths in the Bible is right here in Genesis 1:26–27. The verse tells us that human beings are created in the image and likeness of God. This is a foundational truth that shapes how we understand who we are and how we are called to live.
Represent God as His Image Bearer
In Exodus 20, God clearly commands His people not to make any image to represent Him. One reason is that God is infinite - limitless in power, wisdom, and presence, and nothing created by humans could ever fully capture who He is.
Yet, in Genesis 1, God does something remarkable. God creates someone to represent Him – humans. You and I are made in the image of God.
The Hebrew word used for “image” is selem. It can refer to a replica, statue, or idol. The next word used is demut, which means likeness or similarity. Together, these words tell us that human beings are created to resemble God in nature and are called to represent Him in the world.
What Does it Mean to Represent God?
To understand this idea, we have to look at the practice of some ancient rulers. For example, when Alexander the Great conquered new territories, he placed statues of himself throughout those regions. It was meant to tell the people that Alexander now rules here. In the same way, God has called us to represent Him to show, God rules here. But God gives us freedom in how we represent Him.
We can represent Him well. Or we can misrepresent Him by living in a way that says, I rule here.
Representation Begins in the Heart
This understanding, that we represent God, is foundational to our faith and life. This knowledge that we represent God is made clear, even further, in the New Testament.
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14
We are Christ’s ambassadors. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Imitate God in everything you do. Ephesians 5:1
The question is, how do we represent or imitate God well at work? It is by living in a way that says, God rules here.
God rules with love, in truth, bringing justice, peace, and joy. These are the traits we are called to live – at home and at work.
Unfortunately, when we have positional power at work, it is easy to live in a way that says, I rule here. But we don’t. King David recognized that everywhere it is God who rules, and wrote in Psalm 24, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the people and all who live in it.”
Living Biblical Freedom at Work
To work every day in a way that says, God rules here, starts in our hearts. Decide to intentionally understand the Bible and then to live it at work. For example, in Galatians 5:13, we read, “You have been called to live in freedom…” What does it mean to have freedom in your workplace? If you have positional power at work, how do you offer freedom at work to your team members that shows you and them that God rules here?
As you identify more of God’s nature in the Bible, wrestle with it to understand how you can live it at work.
For example, God is humble (Matthew 11:29). How can you be humble, especially if you have positional power, at work?
God is creative. How can you bring the creative power God has given you to work?
The Defining Mark: Love at Work
There is one character trait that reflects God clearly at work: love. Love sums up all the commands in the Bible. Love boldly proclaims, God rules here. Because God is love. If you are a leader, you have more power to shape your work culture with love.
Love boldly proclaims, God rules here. Because God is love. If you are a leader, you have more power to shape your work culture with love.
Love That Works: In Truth and Generosity
There are two key things to remember when we show love:
Love in truth. Jesus modeled loving in truth with both people with integrity, like his disciples, and people with duplicity, who were intent on harming him, like the Pharisees. He related to both of them in the truth of their character. At work, loving in truth will help align productivity with work culture.
Love generously. Generosity multiplies and benefits everyone at work.
One leader who lived this well is Herb Kelleher, co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines. Kelleher loved his people. He loved in truth – and was upfront about it, and he loved generously. So much so that Southwest Airlines was known for a joyful work culture with love and care for each other.
No one is perfect in loving our team members – bosses, co-workers, and direct reports – all the time. But that is the heart we want to go to work with daily. Then even when we stumble, we will rise up and love well again. Then we, and everyone around us, will know that God rules here.
As always, I wish you the best work life.
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