1:26-27 The Image of God We are made in God’s own image—something absolutely unique to humanity. While our capacity to reflect the divine image is impacted by sin, the image itself remains undamaged. Thus, all human beings, whatever their abilities or disabilities, are “image-bearers” and capable of having a relationship with God. We share the common dignity and equal value that being made in God’s image confers.
1:28 Creation Care As the highest order of creation, humanity was charged with the mandate to exercise stewardship over creation. They were to “fill the earth and govern it,” but to do so responsibly, for God always retains ownership of the created order (Ps 24:1). Today we know that much suffering and misery have come as the result of humanity’s failure to preserve the earth’s natural resources, which continues to endanger our children’s future.