15 Sep Unfinished…On Purpose
God’s power and creativity are incomparable and limitless. The first two chapters of Genesis summarize the beginning of Everything. From nothing, He created Earth, within a vast Universe. He spoke into existence the Sequoias, the Vaquita and the Middlemist Red (the most unusual, rare trees, animals, flowers). And ultimately, God designed Humankind, both male and female, to bear His inconceivable image. Amazing, right?
Afterward, God planted a Garden and put Adam and Eve to work in it (Genesis 2:8). He charged them to oversee and cultivate it under His personal care. Now, before we move on we must consider a very significant question: Why didn’t God finish the Garden himself? How is that relevant for us today? The answer will help unfold God’s creative purposes for Business.
God gave humans a measure of His ingenuity, vision, skill and creativity to build, organize, manage, serve–and even collaborate with the Creation modeled by God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit . . . even before the beginning! In love, He invited humans to join His “common grace” purposes to provide for and to serve individuals and families and communities expanding over the Earth. He enabled us to work as He does–supplying our needs and proclaiming His character and grace. He activates His people to “tap into” His resources and employ their gifts for His honor and His kingdom.
Human needs, like shelter and food, created the template for countless industries like construction, agriculture, manufacturing and design. Over millennia, God increasingly revealed principles of Science and Mathematics and Medicine and Art to enable more discoveries and inventions.
God gave us mechanical ingenuity to create HVAC systems that keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. He gave us the financial ingenuity to devise tools that allow us to raise capital in order to buy homes, launch businesses and develop flourishing communities.
Marketers skillfully help businesses tell their story and get the word out so more people can be helped by their products and services.
When God planted the garden and placed Adam (mankind) in it to cultivate and grow it, He established the entire framework for what we call Business. This is the THEOLOGY of Business, meaning that God Himself has designed and equipped us to co-create with Him for the good of all people to His glory and grace. The applications are infinite . . . and as yet unfinished!
Serving Him with you in the marketplace,
David Atchison
Amazing Creator and Overseer, there have been so many times when I mistakenly felt working in the “business world” had little if any spiritual value, except perhaps to share the Gospel with a co-worker or client (a wonderful privilege I treasure). Increasingly, You are showing me that Business is very much a part of Your purposes in this world. When You created the marketplace intentionally, You devised the means to meet people’s needs and expand communities for human flourishing under Your loving care. Expand my vision today, for how You are at work in my part of the marketplace. Amen.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
ADDITIONAL REFLECTIONS: QUESTION: WHAT ARE YOU DOING