When God Made Me He Said Tada: An Exploration
Have you ever wondered what God might have said or done when he created you? The phrase ‘When God made me he said tada’ is intriguing and invites deeper reflection. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the meaning behind this idea and what it tells us about our relationship with our Creator.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The saying ‘When God made me he said tada’ suggests that God celebrated each human life as a wondrous creation. It points to the Christian idea that we are made in God’s image and implies we each have unique value and purpose in God’s eyes.
In the sections below, we’ll look at the possible biblical and theological significance of this phrase. We’ll examine perspectives on how God might regard human life and diversity. And we’ll consider what it means for our sense of meaning and self-worth if God truly said ‘tada!’
in joy when forming each of us.
The Idea of Being Made in God’s Image
All People Bear God’s Image
According to the Bible, all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This bestows inherent value, dignity and worth to every single person regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, ability or socioeconomic status.
God delights in the diversity of humanity and affirms that each person reflects part of His divine nature.
The image of God within man is linked to faculties like reason, morality, self-determination, creativity, relationships and stewardship over creation. This means human beings have grand potential for good – to create, innovate, lead, inspire and transform the world.
However, the Fall has marred mankind’s bearing of God’s image. Hence grace is needed for people to grow in godliness and fulfill their high calling.
Value and Dignity Bestowed on Humanity
Human life is precious – so much so that God sent His One and Only Son Jesus to redeem people (John 3:16). He healed the sick, affirmed the marginalized, touched lepers and forgave sinners – showing that every individual has significance.
Followers of Christ are urged to see value in others as God does. Christians combat notions that demean subgroups as less worthy in God’s eyes.
By turning from self-absorption and loving their neighbor, Christians affirm that humans – no matter how marred by evil or seemingly insignificant – have glory as image-bearers. Acts of mercy and justice give glimpses of mankind’s high calling under God.
Christians feed the hungry, rescue trafficked women, run medical clinics in poor communities and stand up for the oppressed.
Distinct Yet Together in One Human Family
People groups worldwide display rich diversity in customs, skin tones, music and food. Such variety reflects the abundance of God’s creativity. It is not to be feared but appreciated as embellishing human culture and relationships when seen in light of Christ who “makes the two one” (Ephesians 2:14).
| Ethnicities | Over 5,000 recognized groups |
| Languages | About 7,000 living languages |
| Skin Shades | Varying scales based on melanin levels |
| Cultures | Diverse worldviews & ways of life |
God’s desire is for people from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9) to worship Him united under Christ’s Lordship. Heaven celebrates diversity within unity as souls from all corners of earth praise the Lamb.
Such rich beauty amongst believers is possible by humbly admitting biases, repenting of racism and embracing ethnic differences.
Christ-followers strive for reconciliation, affirm human dignity across color lines and sometimes get genuinely intrigued by cultural contrasts in foods, weddings or parenting approaches! Though humanity’s stubborn ethnocentrism requires vigilance to overcome, God is patiently uniting His family though the Spirit’s transforming work.
God’s Delight in Creation and Humanity
Biblical Depictions of God’s Joy in Creation
The Bible frequently depicts God taking delight in his creation. After each day of creation in Genesis 1, God sees that “it was good.” On the sixth day after creating humanity, God sees that his creation is now “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
The Psalmist declares that “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Throughout the Old Testament, God’s delight in the beauty and complexity of the world he made is evident.
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of how God clothes the lilies of the field in splendor (Matthew 6:28-30), implying God’s loving care and joy in even the smallest parts of creation. Revelation 4 depicts a scene of celebration around God’s throne over the wonder of the universe.
The Bible shows that creativity and beauty originate from a God who celebrates the work of his hands.
Human Beings as the Pinnacle of Creation
The creation story in Genesis 1 climax with the creation of human beings, who are made in God’s own image and given dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). Humanity is portrayed as the pinnacle of God’s creative work.
God recognizes that it is not good for humans to be alone, so he makes woman as a companion and suitable partner for the man (Genesis 2:18). In breathing his own breath into humans, God shares something of himself with them in a way unique among all creation (Genesis 2:7).
Humans are set apart with the ability to fellowship with God and reflect his wisdom and character to the world.
The New Testament affirms the dignity and value God places on human life. John 3:16 declares that God loved the world and human beings so much that he sent his own Son to save them. Humans are described as God’s “workmanship” and the object of his ongoing care and delight (Ephesians 2:10).
Above all other creatures, humans alone bear the imago dei, reflecting the creativity, compassion, and capacity for relationship that define God himself.
Human Diversity as an Expression of God’s Creativity
Human beings display a remarkable diversity in giftings, personalities, appearances, cultures, and experiences. Scripture implies that this variety also reflects the abundance of God’s creative capacity.
In Isaiah 55:8-9, the prophet explains that God’s thoughts and ways are higher than human thoughts and ways. Humans with their limited perspective cannot fully understand the wisdom in the plurality of God’s creation.
In the New Testament, Paul emphasizes that those who follow Christ come from many racial, social, and religious backgrounds. Though different, they are united in one body through their redemption in Christ (Galatians 3:28, Ephesians 2:14-16).
The diversity within the church displays the all-encompassing breadth of God’s grace. Revelation 7:9-10 pictures worshipers from “every nation, tribe, people and language” gathered in celebration around God’s throne.
Such passages imply that human diversity, in all its complexity, originates from and glorifies the God who imagined it.
Living Out Our God-Given Identity and Purpose
Recognizing Our Unique Worth and Gifts
We are all created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27), which means we each have inherent value and worth. Though we are all unique, we are still connected as children of the same Creator. Recognizing the gifts God has given each of us individually is an important part of living out our God-given identity.
Some questions to ask ourselves:
- What particular skills, talents, and interests has God given me?
- What personality traits or strengths do I have that could be used for God’s glory?
- What experiences has God allowed me to have that I can leverage for His purposes?
Understanding our own uniqueness allows us to fully embrace how God has made us and walk confidently in that identity. As Frederick Buechner said, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”
Discovering that “sweet spot” where our passions and God-given gifts intersect allows us to thrive.
Loving Ourselves and Others as God’s Treasured Creations
If we are made in God’s image and He delights in us as His children (Zephaniah 3:17), that means we have intrinsic worth and value. Loving ourselves doesn’t mean vanity or ego – it means caring for ourselves as people created by and loved by God.
We can care for ourselves by:
- Getting enough rest and relaxation
- Eating healthy foods and exercising
- Pursuing activities and hobbies we enjoy
- Setting healthy boundaries in relationships
- Surrounding ourselves with uplifting, positive people
The way we treat ourselves influences how we treat others. According to Matthew 22:39, loving our neighbor as ourselves is the second greatest commandment. We are called to speak life, show compassion, and care for others as fellow image-bearers of God.
Our shared identity in Christ calls us to mutual honor and respect.
Using Our Talents to Serve God’s Kingdom
All good gifts come from the Father above (James 1:17). The talents He’s given us are meant to be stewarded and shared for His purposes and glory. We all have unique spheres of influence where we can make a difference for eternity.
Ways we can serve God’s kingdom with our gifts include:
- Using our professional skills and work ethic as a positive example to colleagues (Colossians 3:23)
- Volunteering time and abilities to help those in need in our communities
- Sharing words of encouragement, compassion, and spiritual truths with others
- Donating funds and resources to ministries making a difference worldwide
- Creating art, music, or media that promotes biblical truths
Of course, the most valuable thing we can offer is simply sharing the gospel message and our testimony of God’s work in our lives. According to the Barna Group, the 3 top ways people come to faith are: 1) Personal relationships 2) Life circumstances 3) Sharing the good news.
Our lives should be a reflection of Christ and an open book others can read.
Conclusion
In examining the idea behind ‘When God made me he said tada,’ we’ve explored important biblical themes about being made in God’s image and valued as His creation. While we can’t know God’s exact sentiments in bringing each life into being, this saying poetically suggests He delights in humanity and celebrates our role in His plan.
Our diversity and creative potential testify to God’s imagination. By thanking God for saying ‘tada!’ at our creation, we can grow in self-acceptance, love for others, and commitment to offering our gifts to build God’s kingdom on earth.
The saying offers inspiration to live fully into the identity and purpose we’ve been given.
