Plantinga 2

As images, or reflections, of God we have the responsibility to uphold his glory here on earth. In Plantinga ch. 2 we learned several ways to do this. One important way of reflecting God's image on earth is in the way we interact with each other. It would be easy for each follower of Christ to go out to isolation and practice our patience, love, and faith. But, God created us into social, dependent, and interactive beings. He did this to reflect his social and interactive characteristics. Plantinga points out that our reflection of God's character is meant to be interactive, not isolated. When sin came into the world it did not abolish these necessities, but rather strengthened them. It is all the more imperative to live out God's qualities, especially dependence.

Another way of reflecting God's image on earth is obeying our responsibility to rule over the earth. God created us to have dominion over the earth. Pointedly, a student in class said that we are not here to consume and devour at our leisure. Rather, we are here to live and reign as stewards of God's property. Some over react to this responsibility by shaming commercial development. I would respectfully question there understanding of "dominion." Most development is good... You get clothes, food, churches, and hospitals from development.

The last point I would like to emphasize from the chapter is similar to that of "The Weight of Glory." ANother student pointed out that these transformations do not occur instantaneously. I absolutely agree, and would go further to add that in fact, transforming into a master of the fruits of the spirit and a impeccable steward of God's property (every thing), is a a tedious, blood, sweat, and tears, task. This pursuit is painful. We make it painful! We do not do what we say we will do, we choose to push against God. And, Paul says many times that it is the evil nature living in us that causes these reactions.