In the three scriptural accounts of the creation (Genesis 1:26-28, Moses 2:26-28, Abraham 4:26-28), God creates man and woman in his own image and likeness.

IM’AGE, noun [Latin imago.]
1. A representation or similitude of any person or thing, formed of a material substance

LI’KENESS, noun1. Resemblance in form; similitude. 

I think it is clear that human beings were created to be like God physically, and while he was pleased with everything he had created (Genesis 1:31), it is also clear that we were created to do more and that there was more for us to do in order to be like him spiritually.

The account says God blessed them and mentions some instructions he gave them. Whether the instructions were given as part of the blessing or afterward is not clear. However, the verse in Abraham makes it seem that the blessing included the instructions. God gave them three specific instructions:

1. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth
2. Subdue it (the earth)
3. Have dominion over the living things of the earth

Are these instructions meant to help us develop our “spiritual likeness” to God? Regardless, the instructions are important guidelines for success in life and apply to us today just as much as they did to Adam and Eve.

Be Fruitful, and Multiply, and Replenish the Earth

This is obviously about having children–making sure we continue to provide physical bodies for God’s spirit children. Additionally, I think this describes a general principle about growing, building, and progressing. We should always have an attitude of moving things forward and leaving things better than we found them. We should plant. We should nurture. We should harvest. And then we should continue this cycle throughout our lives. While our physical bodies may decline toward the end of our lives, our spirits can continue to grow and improve until the very end. We should help others grow and improve to the very end as well.

Subdue the Earth

Initially, for Adam and Eve this was probably very literal. The Garden of Eden provided them the sustenance they needed; after being cast out, they had to subdue the earth in order to eat. Subdue means to “to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will” (see Merriam-Webster online dictionary). Spiritually, we need to learn to put off the natural man, we need to subdue it.  “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” (Mosiah 3:19). In order to become more like our Father in Heaven spiritually, we need to learn to subdue all of the attributes that keep us from that end and submit ourselves to His will.

Have Dominion Over the Living things of the Earth

Dominion means to have “supreme authority” (see Merriam-Webster online dictionary), but it does not mean to dominate. Adam and Eve were given authority over the living things of the earth to care for them. They were given responsibility for those living things. They were given stewardship–“the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” There is quote most often attributed to the Spider-Man Comics: 

“With great power comes great responsibility.” 

I think that is one of the things God is trying to teach us during our time here on earth. “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:39-40). 

My great-great-great grandfather traveled across the plains with Brigham Young and was among the first to enter the Salt Lake Valley. The family only has a few things written by Barnabas Adams. One of these is a letter to his wife Julia that he wrote while camped by the Platte River. After recounting the journey thus far, sharing some instruction from Brigham Young, and expressing some of his anxieties, he wrote this:

“I find myself in a great school; I may learn to govern myself, to be governed, and the principle of governing others which may prove a lasting benefit to me.”

Interestingly, I find these thoughts to be congruent with the three pieces of instruction that God gave to Adam and Eve. As we grow and progress, we are governing ourselves; as we subdue our will in favor of God’s will, we are learning to be governed; and as we exercise righteous dominion, we are learning to govern others.

What greater school is there than this beautiful earth, created exactly for us, specifically to help us become more as God is? We are in a great school, and because of its designated purpose, it will prove to have lasting benefit to us.