The proper relationship between the Creator and His creatures is one of worshipful dependence, grateful stewardship, trust, and obedience. God is self-existent and sovereign; human beings receive life, dignity, purpose, and responsibility from Him.
Sin reverses this order by making human desire the final authority. A person may ask God for help while refusing His right to direct the outcome.
Restored order does not make people worthless. Human dignity is grounded in being made in God’s image. Humility means accepting creaturely limits without denying God-given responsibility.
Practical signs of restored order include prayer instead of self-sufficiency, gratitude instead of entitlement, stewardship instead of possessiveness, and obedience instead of selective agreement.
Romans 11:36 summarizes the relationship: all things are from God, through God, and to God. A useful application is to identify one plan you have asked God to bless but have not genuinely submitted to Him.
Biblical anchors
Genesis 1:26-27 grounds the article’s central question. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Acts 17:24-28 adds an important biblical balance. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Romans 11:36 shows how the truth becomes lived obedience. Read the surrounding paragraph or chapter and note what it reveals about God and the response expected from the believer.
Questions for further study
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Which statement in this article most needs to affect your understanding or conduct?
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How does Genesis 1:26-27 confirm, correct, or deepen the article’s answer?
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What fear, attachment, distraction, or habit makes a faithful response difficult?
Put it into practice
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Study: Read Genesis 1:26-27 in context and write one sentence explaining how it contributes to the answer given in this article.
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Respond: Choose one statement—such as “Dependence does not erase dignity, because dignity is received from the Creator.”—and turn it into a specific prayer and action.
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Review: Tell a trusted believer what you plan to do and ask that person to follow up within seven days.
Name the real situation
Consider a real situation connected to this statement: God is self-existent, sovereign, wise, and worthy; human beings are dependent creatures made in His image. Name the person, decision, or responsibility involved. Read Genesis 1:26-27 in context, then write what faithfulness would look like before the end of the week. Avoid a broad promise such as “try harder.” Choose an action that another person could recognize and review.
Continue with the annotated study guide
The annotated edition explains this major Tozer theme in plain language and connects it with Scripture, prayer, obedience, and disciple-making. This article answers one focused question; the complete edition brings all ten chapters into one connected study experience.
The Pursuit of God (Annotated): A Modern Study Guide to A. W. Tozer’s Classic on Abiding in Christ and Making Disciples