Recently, I finished reading a book by Benjamin L. Gladd, From Adam and Israel to the Church. I posted on this book awhile ago. It is a very good book. For some, it may be too theological, but I think the overall trajectory of the book is clear and his observations about the image of God in man are important for the believer to understand.
In the final chapter, Gladd sums up how believers can reflect God as kings, priests, and prophets. This "trivium" is well-known in Christian circles, but Gladd reminded me of its importance. For many Christians, the only reason we are on earth is to spread the gospel message, live out the Great Commission (Matthew 28). As believers, then, the only way we image God is by evangelizing.
But is that true? Given the kings/priests/prophets paradigm, I don't think it is, and neither does Gladd. Evangelism is certainly part of our purpose; in evangelism we serve as "prophets." Telling the world about God is what prophets of old did, and we should do that as well. Gladd writes, "The Bible is a storehouse of riches, and as prophets created in the divine image, we should be filled with excitement to learn more about our Lord" and share that excitement and truth with the world. As image-bearers, we need to share God's word with the world.
But we are also kings and priests. As priests, we are called to worship the true God. As Gladd notes, "Unbelievers are marked by worshipping everything except the triune God." He continues: "What characterizes God's people, though, is exclusive worship of him. God created us for his glory - not to glorify ourselves, our possessions, or our accomplishments." To be true image-bearers of God, we not only need to share the Gospel with the world, but we need to treasure God's word in our own hearts. Fathers need to serve as "priests" in their homes, guiding their families to grow in the love of the Lord, and raising their children ("Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" Ephesians 6:4). When we sacrifice ourselves for others, we reflect Christ's priestly role. All of us need to value obedience to God and worship of him, not just to prepare us for evangelism, but because by doing these things - by acting as priests - we roll back the effects of the fall and become truer image-bearers of God.
Finally, we are kings. As proclaimed in Genesis 1:28, we are to take dominion of this earth in preparation for when we will reign with Christ over the new heavens and earth (2 Tim. 2:11-12). When we work, we are in the process of taking dominion. When we create, we reflect the creative power of our God. When we are good stewards, we show how we can rule well and take care of what God has given us. When we take care of our families and lead them well, our homes become micro-kingdoms where we reflect the gracious and generous rule of our king, Jesus Christ.
So, while the Christian life is about sharing the gospel, it is not only about sharing the gospel. As kings, we are called to create, work, lead, and enjoy the life that God has given us. As priests, we are called to reflect the sacrificial life of our Savior, and find joy in worshipping him for no other reason than it is what humans were meant to be and do.
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