Celebrating the Image of God in Every Kid You Serve

Celebrating the Image of God in Every Kid You Serve

By: Crystal Mazzuca

“I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.”

Psalm 139:14a

Each kid that walks through our doors on any given Sunday has been remarkably and wondrously made by God Himself. From hair texture and foot size to voice pitch and laugh tone, these kids are designed by the God of the universe. But not just physical attributes! Their talents, abilities, and even their quirks are part of God’s master design. 

One of the most incredible things about the kids in our ministries is the truth that God made them each in His image. (Genesis 1:27) The Latin phrase for this is imago Dei, which means “image of God.” The incredible thing about our imago Dei design is that it applies to everyone—regardless of nationality, background, gender, or religion. 

How can we celebrate this incredible truth in the kids we serve? 

Kids Are Made to Learn 

Rather than designing people to be born fully grown and developed, God created us to learn and grow over time. Our ability to develop through childhood—learning morals and decision making—is something that is special and unique to people. The kids in our ministries are right in the throes of this stage.  

Every time kids come to our churches, let’s celebrate that we can share life-changing foundational truths with them. Even when it doesn’t seem like they’re listening or what we’re doing is making a difference, let’s remember that kids are literally designed to learn. It isn’t always easy, but God is working in them because that’s the way He made them. God created them to learn and grow over time, so let’s enjoy getting to be a part of that process. 

Kids Are Made to Be Loved 

God designed us to love and be loved by Him. From the first chapters in Genesis, we see that God made people to love Him, love each other, and love His creation. This ability to love is built into our DNA. The brokenness that entered the world through sin means we don’t always love well, and we can’t love well on our own. But we can know that we are wired for love. 

When we love kids with joy, passion, and acceptance—the same way that God loves us—we spark the I’m-made-for-this part of their design. Every kid is made for this love. They don’t do anything to earn it or deserve it. No matter what attitudes or actions kids bring to our ministries, they are made to be loved. So let’s love them well. 

Kids Are Made to Care 

Part of being made in the image of God is that we are made to care. (Genesis 1:26) We’re designed to care for God’s creation, which includes people. We aren’t made to live in isolation or to do whatever we want. Rather, we’re made to honor God through how we interact with everything and everyone around us. 

Kids, regardless of their age or stage, are made for this. They can be leaders as they serve, care for, and help one another. It isn’t always easy for them to focus on others, but the more opportunities we offer and the more we celebrate their successes, the more they will step into this part of their God-given identity. 

God made these kids in His image. Let’s celebrate that truth every chance we get. 

Crystal Mazzuca is the Content Editor and Resource Specialist for Lifeway’s NextGen resource Hyfi. With an MA in Christian Education Administration, she has a passion to encourage and equip leaders to impact the next generation for Christ. She’s spent the last 20 years in Kids, Student, and Family Ministry and loves serving both the big C church and her local church in Olympia, WA. Crystal loves reading, going to the beach, and playing video games with her 3 sons.