The question of why God desires for us to reflect His character is deeply rooted in the theological understanding of the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. To explore this, we must delve into the biblical narrative, the purpose of creation, and the transformative journey of sanctification that believers undergo.
From the very beginning, the Bible reveals that humanity was created in the image of God. In Genesis 1:26-27, it is written, "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." This passage underscores the intrinsic value and purpose of human beings: to reflect God's image.
Reflecting God's character is not merely about mirroring His attributes but about embodying the very essence of who He is. God is holy, loving, just, merciful, and righteous. These attributes are not just characteristics of God but are central to His being. When we reflect God's character, we participate in His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This participation is not about becoming divine ourselves but about allowing God's transformative power to shape us into the likeness of Christ.
The desire for us to reflect His character is rooted in God's love and His redemptive plan for humanity. God’s love is a central theme throughout Scripture. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." God’s love is not passive but active and redemptive. He desires a relationship with us, and through this relationship, we are transformed. Reflecting His character is a natural outcome of this transformative relationship.
Furthermore, the reflection of God's character is integral to the mission and purpose of the Church. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, calls His followers to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16). This metaphor illustrates that believers are to influence the world positively, preserving what is good and illuminating the path to God. Reflecting God's character is essential to fulfilling this role because it is through our actions and lives that others see and experience God’s love and truth.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, explains that we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). This passage highlights that reflecting God’s character is part of our divine purpose. These good works are not about earning salvation but are a response to the grace we have received. They are the fruit of a life transformed by God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The process of reflecting God's character is also tied to the concept of sanctification. Sanctification is the process of being made holy, set apart for God's purposes. It is a lifelong journey of growing in Christlikeness. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This transformation is a work of the Holy Spirit within us, molding us to reflect more of God’s character.
Reflecting God's character also has a communal aspect. The Church is described as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Each member has unique gifts and roles, but together we reflect the fullness of Christ. This communal reflection of God’s character is a powerful witness to the world. Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers, stating that this unity would show the world that He was sent by the Father and that the Father loves them (John 17:21-23). Our unity and love for one another are reflections of God’s character and His love.
Moreover, reflecting God’s character serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. When people see the change in our lives, the love we exhibit, and the integrity with which we live, they are drawn to the source of that transformation. Peter encourages believers to live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse them of doing wrong, they may see their good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us (1 Peter 2:12). Our lives, reflecting God’s character, become a living testimony of His grace and truth.
Christian literature also sheds light on this topic. Theologian and author C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the transformative nature of Christian life. He explains that God became man to turn creatures into sons, not simply to produce better men of the old kind but to produce a new kind of man. This new kind of man is one who reflects the character of Christ. Lewis emphasizes that this transformation is not about mere moral improvement but about a fundamental change in our being, brought about by God's indwelling Spirit.
Reflecting God’s character also aligns with the ultimate purpose of glorifying God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously states that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. When we reflect God’s character, we bring glory to Him. Our lives become a testament to His goodness, love, and power. This glorification is not about us but about pointing others to God and magnifying His name.
In conclusion, God desires for us to reflect His character because it is central to His purpose for creation, His redemptive plan, and our sanctification. Reflecting His character is a natural outcome of a transformative relationship with Him, essential to the mission of the Church, and a powerful testimony to the world. It is through this reflection that we fulfill our divine purpose, bring glory to God, and participate in His divine nature. This journey of reflecting God’s character is a lifelong process, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and rooted in the love and grace of our Creator.
