Thinking of Genesis 1-3, do you think it's fair to say that people were made with an eye for what's missing (or where progress is needed)?
Additionally, what if a major part of the culture making conversation involves selflessness? In other words, did the serpent simply exploit Eve & Adam's eye for progress by getting them to focus on themselves, rather than the world around them?
What if a key to culture creation is Philippians 2:3-4? What if a major means of being who God made us to be (culture makers) is keeping our focus off ourselves, and on the world around us?
How's that sit?
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Being created in God's image, we're told that we have dominion over all the earth, reflecting His reign in Heaven. If the earth were to be left alone, it would not remain good, maybe the same chaotic state it was in the very beginning. I'd say, yes, we're made with an eye for what's missing because without humans, we cannot bring Heaven to earth. John 4:24 says that God is Spirit, so that leaves some curiosity in me if I were asked to draw a picture of how I think God looked because there can be no likeness of Him in the normal sense. Since His spirit is what enables Him to be with everyone at the same time, one could argue that He looks like everyone in some shape or form, furthering emphasizing his shear Majesty.
The "world" is hard to think of anything positive coming from because we're taught that the world is not a state you want to live in. Some might say that it's everything God is not (setting aside being created in God's image). We can only grow so much without enduring the daily battles in the world. Maybe it's a "catch 22" situation where you want to try and protect yourself by not living in the world, but you can't grow if you don't.
While Jesus was on earth, He shared God's word and performed miracles to show them of His power, making us understand the concept of God fearing. He'd spend time alone with God, but His focus was on interacting with people. So, to live like Him, we should set our focus on others. Having the introvert qualities that I do, this is an area I struggle in because its easy for me to spend time alone by myself.
Eve became a slave to desire & Adam to his need to fit in, both of which are self-centered concerns.
I don't know that a strong argument could be made for them needing to focus more on the world around them, however, because one could easily counter that it was out of a pursuit of bettering the world that they partook of the fruit in the first place.
Perhaps this is the genius of the serpent--his position can so easily SEEM to support the direction we want to go with God.
In fact, maybe his most dangerous weapon is his ability to cause us to question what is really, truly right. Is there a "right" way at all? And in opening that discussion, perhaps he has won the argument.
Is the only lesson this, that we need to spend more time focussed on the world around us? Or does it also include a part where we need focus inward, to understand our journey with God & arm ourselves against seemingly plausible arguments that may not be as they first appear?
Hi Steph.
I'm curious, what in the text leads you to think that they may have actually thought that eating the apple would be better for the world?
It's not explicitly said in the text (as many things are not). However, it's not hard to imagine Eve mixing up her own desires with her known purpose, i.e., "If I have greater knowledge, then I will do my job better," or the serpent was certainly capable of making such an argument.
Inherent in the story, and this is the point that I was focusing on, is that things are not always what they seem. It takes sound judgment to discern right from wrong...especially when our own desire may cause us make nearly logical arguments that contradict truth.
In this way, part of what is necessary for living as God would have us live is time to connect with him--to be quiet within ourselves.
At the same time, I do agree with the general premise that God is best served when we focus on the world around us--if only because doing something productive is more likely to keep us out of mischief!
Thanks for clarifying all that; perhaps Eve thought the world would be better served by her with her knew knowledge/self. Either way, doesn't that prove the point that it was her self-serving focus on what's missing that got her in trouble?
I think your comments about the need for solitude with God is a great one!
Do you really think that the only value in selflessness is keeping ourselves out of trouble?
Bryan:
Love your comment that God looks like everyone at some level. God is often portrayed as purely "male" with a voice like Morgan Freeman...which makes him so simple.
What are your thoughts on the Holy Spirit?
Adam:
I've been thinking about your selflessness question. There are two surface benefits to selflessness: providing service to someone or something and keeping out of trouble in the process.
If this is all there is, it's still pretty empty. It is doing half of what you suggest: keeping the focus off oneself. It is not doing what I would argue is the most important part: not just focusing, but ENGAGING with the world around us.
It can't just be selflessness.
It must also be togetherness.
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