Genesis: Where It All Began..

Whether one identifies as Christian or not, everyone at some point in their life is posed (or self-reflects) on the idea of "existence" at some level. Whether we grew up in a school that 'taught' or introduced the idea of evolution in a grade-school science class or if we just simply were inquisitive. Creation is something we all have to interact with daily regardless of our belief system. Based on this premise, that is why I arrived at a couple varying outcomes.

When reflecting on this question, I wanted to approach it from a dual-perspective. For me, one may come to two radically different outcomes when comparing "use for ministry" and "personal guidance". The dynamics shift when adding to something and in this case if we think of ministry we have an external (outward self) focus. However, for personal growth we have an intrinsic, internal (inward) focus. This journey can, and most often will, have different outcomes and different influences along the way. 

As this integrates into Genesis, there are many implications. From the personal guidance perspective, I believe the imagery illustrated in Genesis provides a framework for understanding who God is and how His creation came to be. However, I didn't always feel this way. As my faith grew however, things seemed to become more organized in my mind and my heart. But to understand the origins of the human race, the planet, the universe, all of it is beneficial in the ultimate understanding which is to know God's grace. 

From a ministry perspective however, it can be profoundly challenging. As I touched on the major dynamic is that you begin to add more vertical relationships. We may have heard the analogy (one must be good vertically in order to do God's work horizontally-in rows). The idea that when in ministry, we as individuals, are outwardly attempting to reach people, but we may have no idea how their own vertical relationship with God is. We can speak to Genesis 1-11 all day, but it could cause more intimidation or confusion than good. This could be for many reasons, but one main challenge can be the enormity of discussion. 

Someone new to Christ or even contemplating becoming saved, may be struggling just to afford food, let alone wanting to tackle understanding the creation story. I believe that understanding ministry from a holistic perspective can help us to acquire valuable insight into how one may possibly receive God's word, and at what pace God is working through them. 

We all can get overwhelmed and burdened with every single detail, in any book in the Bible. But perhaps the greatest takeaway from Genesis 1-11 can simply be: humbling ourselves to an almighty God, that has been in control of our existence, from the very beginning.