As I work my way through Jason B. Hood’s book, Imitating God in Christ: Recapturing a Biblical Pattern, I am continually struck by his boldness in the view of humanity. We are created in the image of God and that means something. I grew up with “worm theology.”

That old gospel song, “At the Cross,” had the line:

“Would he devote that sacred head
for such a worm as I?”

We are created for more than that, and Hood shows no trepidation in this area.

He gives a great definition of worship in the context of humanity working as the image of God:

Our godlike capacities turn demonic and anti-human unless they are constrained by humility. There is no better antidote for pride than remembering that we are not gods but images and servant-priests in the service of the one true God. These vocations show us that we must glorify God, living before him in constant service in his world and dependence on his provision. there is a comprehensive term for such activity: worship. 

We have amazing capacities as humans. It often leads us to horrible trouble because we won’t submit to God. We live in humility, living out our call as servant-priests, knowing we are flawed, but his glory WILL shine through.