Men and women are both made in God’s image. But why do we behave so differently then? Could it be that our differences are just a kaleidoscope of different reflections of God’s image? In this Devotional, we will explore how to recognize God’s image by our differences in marriage.

DAY 1: TWO CREATORS

The first time we read about how men and women reflect God’s image, is right at the time when they were created. “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27, NLT).

God’s creative nature is a very prominent part of his image.Therefore it is safe to assume that men and women were made to be creators as well (Genesis 1:28). And when we look at the immense variety found in nature, it is no surprise that each of us creates things in our own unique way. It is impossible for human beings to create in all the different ways, colors, and mediums that God does. But each of us creates something unique every day.

Despite our different creative capabilities, creators have one thing in common. In the same way that God had a vision of each part of earth He wanted to create, we have pictures of our creative ideas in our minds. “Then God said, ‘Let there be a space between the waters, to separate the waters of the earth.’ And that is what happened. God made this space to separate the waters of the earth from the waters of the heavens. God called the space ‘sky’” (Genesis 1:6, NLT).

In marriage, these visions and plans are where two creators clash. The creative pictures we have in our minds are often hidden from each other. It is impossible to see exactly what our spouses intend to create. For example, while both husband and wife are creating a home for their family, the pictures in our minds are unique. A wife may focus on creating a colorful haven of joy for her children, while a husband may be more concerned with creating a long-lasting place of financial safety for his family. Still, both reflect the creative image of God.

In Proverbs 31, before we hear about all the creative abilities of the virtuous wife, we find an important secret. “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11-12, NLT). I am sure that the husband did not care much about the colors of the pretty bedspreads that she was making by hand (v. 22). (By the way, I feel very intimidated by this woman!) And it certainly seems like she had no time to micromanage her husband’s meetings with the other civic leaders (v. 24). Each of their creative works had the best interests of their family at heart.

How are you and your spouse creating your family’s home in different ways? What do each of your unique creative visions look like for your family? How would you treat your spouse if you viewed his/her efforts as a reflection of the creative genius they received from God?

Let us look for God’s creative Spirit in our spouses every day. Let us recognize that every different way in which our spouse contributes to the creation of our family, is a reflection of God’s image. “Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skilled person in whom the Lord has put ability and understanding to know how to do all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall work according to all that the Lord has commanded” (Exodus 36:1, Amplified Bible).

Scripture readings:

Genesis 1:26-31

Proverbs 31:10-31

Exodus 36:1