In His Image by Jen Wilkin– Book Review

In this short book author Jen Wilkin examines ten of the communicable attributes of God. These are characteristics of God that we share (imperfectly) because we are made in His image. These are:

*Holiness

*Love

*Justice

*Mercy

*Graciousness

*Faithfulness

*Truthfulness

*Wisdom

Each chapter discusses one attribute and includes verses for meditation and questions for journaling and discussion. According to the author, the question we should be asking ourselves as Christians is not “What should I do?” but “Who should I be?” As we concentrate on becoming sanctified followers of Christ, the answer to “What should I do?” will become clear.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. I loved it! It is completely clear, very Biblical and would make a great choice for a Bible study or small group.

For more books about the attributes of God see:

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin–Book Review

The Holiness of God–R.C. Sproul–Book Review

I Am -The Names of God for Little Ones by Diane Stortz–Book Review

None Like Him by Jen Wilkin–Book Review

If you’d like to learn more about the attributes of God, this little book would be a great place to start. Author Jen Wilkin lists ten ways God is different from us. God is:

*Infinite

*Incomprehensible

*Self-existent

*Self-sufficient

*Eternal

*Immutable

*Omnipresent

*Omniscient

*Omnipotent

*Sovereign

After discussing each characteristic along with relevant Bible verses, she brings it down to the personal level with discussion questions at the end of each chapter. As sinful human beings, we like to believe that we can “be like God” and so we try hard to acquire these attributes for ourselves — thankfully, it won’t work!

The discussion questions could be used in a small group study, or you can journal with them (I did). You’ll come away with a greater understanding about who God is and why He alone is worthy of our worship.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. Well-researched and easy to read. I recommend it!

For more about the attributes of God see:

The Attributes of God

The Mind of the Maker by Dorothy Sayers — Book Review

Is There a God? If So, What is God Like?– Or Katelyn’s Question #1

Who To Be

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” 1 Peter 1:14-16

I just started reading a book titled, In His Image by Jen Wilken, and the first chapter is about holiness. Although holiness is an attribute of God, it is also a quality we need to reflect as God’s people.  For humans, holiness means being set apart for God, devoted to God, pure in character — in other words, pious.

Most Christians want to know what God’s will is for them as individuals .  What job should I take?  Who should I marry?  Where should I live? These are things we ask ourselves.  According to Ms. Wilken, instead of these questions which all boil down to “What should I do?” we ought to be asking “Who should I be?”

The Bible does not tell us what is the right decision in every case.  However, it does tell us quite a bit about who to be in every area of life.  Here’s a quote from the book:

“Simply put, God’s will for your life is that you be holy.  That you live a life of set-apartness.  That, by the power of the Holy Spirit, you strive for utter purity of character (Heb.12:14).  Every admonition contained in all of Scripture can be reduced to this.  Every warning, every law, every encouragement bows to this overarching purpose.  Every story of every figure in every corner of every book of the Bible is chanting this call.  Be holy, for he is holy.”

If we are striving to be direct our life to God and His will for us, the other decisions will not loom so large. Piety is not about what we do.  We can be holy in any job, any place, any marriage.  The circumstances don’t matter, but who we are does.