Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."
This past week, I had the chance to visit a Buddhist temple for the first time. As an art major, I was honestly blown away. The detail in everything—the carvings, the paintings, the statues—was incredible. You could tell that so much time, effort, and talent went into every part of the buildings. It was beautiful in a way that made you stop and stare. Every inch of the temple seemed to be touched by intention.
As an artist, I felt a deep admiration. But as a believer, I felt an ache.
The temple was a reflection of human creativity—something that always points me back to the truth that we are made in the image of God. Genesis tells us that God created us in His likeness, and I believe part of that likeness is the impulse to create beauty, to express wonder, and to reflect meaning through art. We create because He created us.
But the beauty of the temple also reminded me of how that gift can be misdirected. It was built to honor gods who cannot save, idols shaped by human hands rather than hearts shaped by the living God. I was amazed by the art, but also deeply sad because of the purpose behind it.
Please pray for the Buddhists in Thailand. Pray that the gospel will reach their ears and hearts so that they can know they are made in the image of the one true God and are loved by Him.
- Emma Epps
Creative Media Team TL
