The phrase “in relation to” implies connection and a point of reference. Here are some examples: cheetahs are fast in relation to cows; mountains are tall in relation to hills; tornadoes are violent in relation to breezes. There is a correlation between the two things.
We have a relationship, a connection, with God. He is Creator; we are created. Even if we respond to God with indifference or rejection, we still have a relationship—we are made in His image.
Genesis 1:27-28
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.
Seven short words—“God created man in His own image”. Much debate, many writings and great research delves deeply into the meaning of this scripture. This venue is not a debate of the aspects of the original language and intent. Here, a brief summary statement will suffice. John Piper summarizes it this way.
“That man is in the image of God means that man as a whole person, both physically and spiritually, is in some sense like his Maker. Just what the nature of this likeness is, we are not told. But we are told what really matters: even as sinners we bear God’s image. As a result of this image in us, we have dominion over all the earth and we have a right to live out our days upon the earth.” www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-image-of-god
David writes of man’s relation to God in Psalm 8.
Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
4What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 All sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field,
8 The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
David states with reverence and awe that God created and ordained the place of man—lower than God, yet ruler over His creation.