Christian Social Responsibility (Part 2)

Today’s reading is a continuation of Section 5 of the Lausanne Covenant - Christian Social Responsibility. Read Here.

Because men and women are made in the image of God, every person, regardless of race, religion, colour, culture, class, sex or age, has an intrinsic dignity because of which he or she should be respected and served, not exploited. Here too we express penitence both for our neglect and for having sometimes regarded evangelism and social concern as mutually exclusive.

The Doctrine of Humankind

Social responsibility and evangelism flow from what we believe about God and about humankind. Every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and is therefore unique among all living creatures. While humans and animals alike depend on God for life, only humans bear the image of God in their capacities for reason, conscience, dominion, and love.

This image of God—Imago Dei—gives every person intrinsic dignity and worth, regardless of race, religion, colour, culture, class, gender, or age. Because of this dignity, every individual should be respected, served, and loved (Leviticus 19:18; Luke 6:27, 35), never exploited.

Only when we grasp this biblical doctrine will we begin to see the evils of racism and social prejudice. These are not only an offence to human dignity—they are an insult to the God whose image all bear. To insult anyone in these ways is, in effect, to blaspheme God (James 3:9-10).

Recognising the image of God in every person transforms how we live and minister. It shapes our evangelism, calling us to share the gospel with respect and compassion. It shapes our social responsibility, compelling us to stand against injustice and to affirm the worth of every human being as one made in God’s likeness.

Reflection:

How does seeing every person as an image-bearer of God shape the way you treat and speak to them?

Prayer:

Lord, help me honour your image in every person, showing respect, love, and dignity in all my words and actions.