Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #17 — Male and Female

Picture: Counsel #17 — Male and Female CI 19.1

When God created humanity, He didn’t just make a man and then later had an afterthought of making a woman. Genesis 5:2 says God called their name “Adam,’” meaning that both male and female together were called humanity - adam in Hebrew. That tells us something powerful: men and women were created equal in value, both fully bearing God’s image. Yes, they’re distinct in design, but they were made to reflect God together. CI 19.2

When everything else on earth had been created, God saved the most meaningful part for last - people. Human beings weren’t just another species to walk the earth. We were His crowning creation! Male and female weren’t created to compete against each other as many do today. God’s original intention was for both genders to represent God’s nature in their togetherness, reflecting His image in all aspects of life. So, when you think about your worth, whether you’re a young man or a young woman, remember that you were created for a purpose, in God’s image, and meant to reflect Him in harmony with others.^[18] CI 19.3

“He created them male and female and blessed them. And he named them ‘Mankind’ when they were created.” Genesis 5:2 NIV CI 19.4

“After the earth was created…the Father and Son carried out their purpose…to make man in their own image.” Ellen White in That I May Know Him, p. 13 CI 19.5

Reflect: Do you see yourself and others as greatly valuable, the way God created you? How does that impact the way you treat yourself, or others? CI 19.6