Garden of Eatin'

How the savory concept of goodness and God are entwined in the intelligent design of the entire universe.

I stood in the frozen deserts section in the grocery store, peering and analyzing tens of different flavors of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. I wouldn't normally do it, but today I figured I'd have a pass and live a little. Besides, I had a a productive last month and a half of consistent cross-fitness at the gym. I choose my childhood go-to ice cream flavor (coffee), checked-out, got home, and tore into the pint-sized goodness with voracity. 'And on the seventh day God made Haagen-Dazs' I whispered, as with one bite I was taken to a place where blind men see (Creed anyone?).

I nerded out as the thought blossomed in my mental, also thankful that I eased up and rewarded myself. How could something, or anything, insanely good actually exist? As a born-again Christian, I have been taught and firmly believe in God's sovereignty, but more theoretical concepts such as good and evil, and the creation or manifestation of such principles and other such heady notions weren't deeply covered in private school nor in church. Perhaps this may intrigue you or bore you, but either way I myself became intensely fascinated by the word "good" and how literally everything in life we call good, perfect, awesome, fascinating- and tasty, was created in succinct spoken word sentences by God at the beginning of it all..

Expanding on the concept of God's intelligent design and creation as described in the book of Genesis, I came across several themes that were reflected::

The Power of God's Word

The biblical account of creation highlights the power and authority of God's spoken word. In Genesis 1, we read that God spoke the world into existence. Phrases like "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3) demonstrate that His words alone were sufficient to bring forth light, sky, land, sea, plants, stars, animals, and ultimately, humans. This notion suggests an extraordinary power inherent in God's speech, where His words are not merely descriptive but creative and authoritative. What's cool is I myself have experienced "speaking something into existence" and some forms of manifesting through spoken word. Therefore, this concept that God was the original big baller, shot caller (Lil Troy, H-town!!) is pretty cool to me.

The Scale and Complexity of Creation

One of the most fascinating aspects of God's creation is its immense scale and intricate complexity. From the grandeur of galaxies and nebulae to the minutiae of subatomic particles, to the ice cream I indulged in; literally EVERY component of the universe reflects meticulous design and purpose. Modern science has revealed the astounding intricacies of ecosystems, biological organisms, and the fundamental forces of nature, all of which point to a level of intelligence and precision that is beyond human comprehension. The fact that all these elements work together harmoniously to sustain life and maintain balance further underscores the brilliance of the Creator.

The Concept of "Good"

I'll bet (I shouldn't bet) a million bucks that at least once someone had asked you how were doing, and you replied without hesitation, "I'm good". When God saw that His creation was "good," it implies more than just a basic level of satisfaction. Apparently, the Hebrew word used in Genesis, "???" (tov), encompasses a broad range of meanings including good, pleasing, and perfect. In saying that creation was "good," God was affirming that everything was made according to His perfect recipe and purpose. It wasn't merely functional; it was superior, magnificent, and exactly as He intended it to be. This divine standard of goodness reflects an ultimate harmony and order, where everything exists and operates in alignment with God's will.

Ecosystem of Existence

The notion of an "ecosystem of existence" refers to the interconnected and interdependent nature of all creation. In this divine ecosystem, every element, whether living or non-living, plays a vital role in sustaining life and maintaining balance. For example, plants produce oxygen, which animals and humankind breathe, while animals produce carbon dioxide, which plants need for photosynthesis. This delicate balance and symbiosis reflect a level of intentional design and foresight that speaks to the intelligence and care of the Creator. It becomes clear why as humans, and professionals on LinkedIn, we strive to reach a higher order of sophistication, of understanding the world around us to live a more enlightened existence.

Closeout

The ability to create the entire universe with just a few spoken words highlights His supreme authority and creative power. He was able to form the future components of my delicious ice cream in mere seconds, faster than I was able to eat it. Not just ice cream, but EVERY awesome (and holy, c'mon now) thing was set into motion truly comes from Him! Concepts of love, peace, wisdom, intimacy, fortune, worship, hope, and strength were spoken into being. The intricate and harmonious design of the cosmos speaks to His intelligence and intentionality, and the declaration that everything was "good" underscores His perfect standard and ultimate purpose for all things.

There's probably no word more used than it, but next time you want to use it; I guess you can have a pass and live a little.