The family business
Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
Genesis 2:15 (NKJV)
Have you ever watched a small child struggling in a task but insisting they can do it by themselves? You itch to do something but know they will reject any offers of help. Sometimes you can’t help but admire their fierce independence. Other times you see their stubbornness as a flaw. We can be a bit like that ourselves: always wanting to be independent and the one to help rather than being the one needing and accepting help.
If there were ever a being who doesn’t need help it would be God. There are many things that only God can do, and does himself for the benefit of humankind, salvation being the primary example. And in the story of creation, God alone is the one who creates (Genesis 1:1). But as the story unfolds we find that God involves humanity by making us stewards of his creation.
God is the ultimate source of all creativity; he is in the business of creating, and because we are made in his image we have a measure of his creativity. What better joy is there than in creating a wonderful garden out of wasteland, or writing a beautiful song or piece of poetry? Some will spend hours cooking sumptuous meals for friends and family to enjoy while others create breathtaking sculptures or paintings.
There is great joy in creating, cultivating and tending and when we participate in what God is doing in and through us, we share in his joy. Unlike the stubborn child, let us turn to God in all that we do, asking for help and seeking to follow his lead.
What can we join God in creating today?
Prayer
Our loving Father, you understand the satisfaction and joy that comes from creating. We see your creation all around us and marvel. You looked at it and said it was good. Help us to take better care of each other and the world in which we live. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Study by Jackie Mill
About the writer:
Jackie Mill is a Minister in Grace Communion International and Regional Co-Pastor for Scotland and Ireland.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh
Gilmerton New Church
Ravenscroft Street
Edinburgh
EH17 8QJ
Meeting time:
Saturday 11:00am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church