Created From Creation

A short while back I had an interesting conversation with a co-worker of mine. During our break, we were talking about nature as we both love photography. I for one love capturing anything that God has created, whether it’s things as small as insects and flowers or as large as mountain ranges and oceans. Nature photography led us to talk about God creating all things even outer space. I pointed out that even with the largest of galaxies, God still loves us more and that I found it wonderful and amazing. Do you know what my co-worker found wonderful? That God created us using His creation.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. On the first day, God created day and night. The second day dealt with water and the sky. But then the third day, God created land and vegetation. It was this land we were created from. This is what filled my coworker with wonder. On the fourth day, outer space was created; the sun, moon, stars, etc. The fifth was oceanic creatures and the birds of the sky. Then on the sixth day, God created land creatures; those that move along the ground, livestock, and wild animals… as well as us. But it was specified just how we were created.

Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. – Genesis 2:7

God created everything out of nothing, but not us. We were created out of what God already created. My coworker, well he found this amazing. And honestly, when he pointed it out to me, it made me think a lot about it as that never really crossed my mind. I never really thought about the fact that he didn’t just call us into existence out of nothing…. He used what he has already created. So, of course, I studied it a bit, diving deeper into the subject.

Two things came to mind when thinking about and studying this subject. The first thing I thought of was ruling, while the second was our life and worth.

You see, why did God create us?

Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our own image, in our own likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." – Genesis 1:26

He created us to govern over what was already created. Think of all those who are in direct authority over your life. Like your parents, professors, bosses, etc. There are two types of authority, aren’t there? One detaches themselves from you, seeing themselves as higher than you… better than you. But the other, the other is a team player. They come alongside you, see you as equal, understand where you are coming from because they have been there before…. They connect themselves with you. Which one is better?

Maybe, God created us out of creation so that we were connected to it. When God delegated some of His authority to us, maybe he wanted us to take responsibility for the environment and the creatures that SHARE our planet. A lion won’t care about the zebra’s life, yet here we are trying to save endangered species from extinction. “But, Amanda,” you might say, “What if that is because we are made in the image of God?” You’re right. And that brings up another point.

We are made in the image of God. We are reflections of God’s glory and character. We can reflect His character by our love, patience, forgiveness, kindness, and faithfulness. But we also know God is a jealous God. He doesn’t want us to have any idols before him. I mean, come on, the uncreated being created all! There are already so many ways in which we put ourselves before God… Becoming our own gods. Can you imagine how much worse that would be if we knew we were created from nothing?

It is humbling to know we came from the dirt of the earth. It gives proof of where our worth lies. There is nothing special or fancy about the chemical elements making up our bodies. The body is just a lifeless shell until God brings it alive with his breath of life. What happens when the breath of life is taken from us? We become dust once again. What does that mean about our life and worth? Well, it means it comes from God’s Spirit. Our worth comes from the God of all creation. Doesn’t that knowledge make you want to value life as God does?!

You know, I agree with my co-worker. I see why us being created from the dirt fills him with wonder. Because we are so connected with this earth, we should be creative and careful in our stewardship of it. After all, God delegated some of His loving authority over to us. We are reminded where our life, authority, and worth come from. God used creation to make the pinnacle of creation, yet God is God, we would not be if it weren’t for Him.

Spend some time humbling yourself right now. Think about where your worth comes from. Think of ways how you can improve your stewardship. Spend some time with God, giving him all praise. Be filled with amazement, awe, and wonder. Go out and live the life God has given you, giving him all Glory! Have a wonderful week. God bless.