Family Devotion Idea: Image of God

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal: We have Godly attributes because we are made in God’s image.

Scripture: Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Materials: Quarter
Photograph of someone you know
Option 1: Sidewalk chalk
Option 2: Large paper and markers
Bright light

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your
own words.

ACTIVITY #1: Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:27. In this very first chapter of the Bible we learn how God created the heavens, the earth, light, darkness, animals and finally, in this verse, God creates men and women, males and females. The verse tells us that we are created in the image of God. What does the word “image” mean? Listen to answers. To look like. A person strikingly like another. A tangible or visible representation. What do you see on the front of this quarter? Answer or guess. This is the image of our first president, George Washington. Is it really George Washington? No. Its just his image. What about this image is probably accurate and what isn’t accurate? The sloping forehead, long hair, nose and mouth are probably accurate. Silver skin, small size, flat shape are not accurate.

Show the photograph. Who is in this picture? Listen to answers. This is not the actual person. It is an image of the person. Have you ever had your picture taken and because of the angle or the lighting you didn’t think it looked very much like you? How is this picture accurate and how is it not an accurate image? Listen to answers.

ACTIVITY #2: Let’s make our own image! Option 1: Trace each person on the sidewalk/driveway using sidewalk chalk. Option 2: Use the bright light to create a shadow and trace each person on a large piece of paper. In the same way the drawing represents an image of us, we each represent an image of God! Inside our image let’s write down characteristics we have that are like God.

Creative, Helpful, Honest, Compassionate, Loving, Caring, Hopeful, Generous, Friendly, Giving, Unique, Loyal

Outside of our image let’s write down characteristics that are a part of our lives that are not accurate images of God.

Sinful, Dishonest, Stealing, Careless, Mean, Disobedient, Grumpy, Greedy, Selfish, Hurtful

We can learn more about what God is like by reading the Bible. God wants us to act and be more like Him and less like those characteristics that don’t accurately reflect His image.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.