Brian Maloy

I had an assignment for my last class, Systematic Theology 1, previously took 3, and now I am in 2 — apparently order doesn’t matter. But nevertheless, I was to choose a topic, and provide a lesson on said topic, but teach as though you were communicating with children, youth, or college students. The purpose being that we were to take a relatively deep theological topic, and practice making it accessible. Unsurprisingly, I found it very enjoyable! I switched my plans a few times — and I landed upon teaching Imago Dei, that is “The Image of God” to kids my age of my own kids, as though I was teaching in a family devotional setting. And let it be known, we did it as a real family devotion, and the kids loved it!

So I thought it might be worthwhile and useful to post here for others who might think it handy to coach their own kids. I broke it down in the Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration framework that I think helps dramatically to walk through God’s redemptive work.

Family Worship Idea:

“What Does It Mean to Be Made in God’s Image?”

Opening Scripture:
Genesis 1:26–27 “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image…’ So God created man in his own image…”

1. Creation: We were made to reflect God’s character.

• We are like little mirrors—created to know, love, and live like Him.
• When you’re kind, or truthful, or creative—you’re showing God’s fingerprints.
• Did you know you’re a walking mirror of God?
• Story to Illustrate:  Like a new home built for a lovely family, solid and stable. Ready for a family to grow, flourish, and bless their neighborhood with hospitality and grace.

2. Fall: Sin cracked the mirror.

• Genesis 3:6–7 or Romans 5:12 
• Our reflection of God became distorted—not erased, but darkened.
• We all still bear His image, but we struggle to live like it.
• Like when your brother or sister messes up your latest Lego creation… 
• This moment changed our relationship with God, ourselves, others, even creation!
• Story to Illustrate: That beautiful house has stood for 100 years, repairs, wear and tear from living, etc., eventually even some flooding take their toll on the house. It’s still standing, but it’s not what it once was, scars abound.

3. Redemption: Jesus restores the image.

• Colossians 1:15 
• Jesus is the perfect image of God—and He came to make us new.
• Jesus didn’t come just to forgive—but to remake us.
• When we follow Him, His Spirit begins cleaning the mirror again.
• Story to Illustrate: But a newlywed couple looking for their first home, stumble upon this once beautiful but now neglected old home. They see the beauty in it still, and decide the hard work is worthwhile to save this beautiful house full of potential and life.

4. Restoration: One day, we will reflect Him perfectly.

• 2 Corinthians 3:18 or Romans 8:29 
• That transformation is ongoing—and future glory awaits.
• One day, there won’t be a crack left in the mirror.
• 2 Cor. 5:17 CSB – Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! 
• Story to Illustrate: It takes time, that young couple buys the house, saving it from demo, and begin the hard work of upgrading and fixing all the important systems within the house. Slowly but surely, they keep up the hard work, painting, replacing windows, decorating, transforming the garden from an overgrown mess to a welcoming home. They know deep down that it may take a lifetime to restore this one great house, but they are faithfully working hard because they know it will bless their family, their neighbors, even the guests who will come to rest awhile. 

Closing Scripture:
Revelation 21:5  “Behold, I am making all things new.”

Pause. Let the words linger. Pray together.