The Bible reports that God created man in His image. Considering all the nuances of translation and the changing nature of human communication in general, it might be fair to question what that phrase actually means.

Does “in His image” mean a physical being with two legs, two arms, and a full head of hair? Or, does it mean something else?

Perhaps we have it backward. There is greater evidence that man has created God in a human image.

There is little question that artists have eagerly adapted this concept to their creations. Museums and religious sites across the globe bristle with images inspired by the words of the Bible. Over the centuries, countless artists have attempted to portray an image of God, usually as a wise senior citizen with a white beard and hair.

In all probability, none of those artists have met Him in person.

As human beings, we are handicapped by the limitations of our senses. We cannot grasp the idea of an entity that exists solely as a form of incomprehensible energy. So, we create an image of God that our senses will recognize. We speak of the “hand” of God, the “voice” of God, or of seeing God, face-to-face.

In essence, we create an image of God in our imagination because it is the only tool we have.

If we are created in God’s image, perhaps it is simply as living beings that have self-awareness and free will.

Perhaps the true definition of “God’s image” rests in that concept of free will, and the opportunity of each human being to strive for perfection and unconditional love.