The Power of Cooperation: Finding Purpose in God's Work
The vastness of the universe and humanity’s small place within it can make it difficult to believe that God is concerned with humans. What’s more, the thought that God invites humans to participate in his cultivation of the universe He created, and the universal narrative He is writing, boggles the mind. But this, the cooperation of humanity with God, is at the core of the story of the universe.
In the beginning, God creates the universe, the earth, and all life through His Word. Finally, He creates humans, molding them from clay with His own hands. This personal touch signifies that humans are the pinnacle of creation as they are uniquely created in God’s image. This means that humans are meant to be like God, to cultivate, care for, and oversee His creation. Humans also have the ability to create, but they are limited to using the resources provided by God. They cannot create something out of nothing, as God does.
After creating humans, God places them in a garden and gives them the command to take care of it. This command is an invitation to join God in cultivating and sustaining the beauty and resources of the garden. While God could have done this on His own, He allows humans to exercise their God-likeness through cooperation. It is through this cooperation that humans reflect the image of God in which they are created.
The tragedy of the Fall is that Adam and Eve try to become God instead of being God-like. This choice leads to disastrous consequences. They are cast out of the Garden of Eden and cursed with death. The garden, which held the tree of life and the means of eternal life, is now inaccessible to them. Ironically, they were not forbidden from eating of that tree while they were in the garden. Yet, they chose to eat of the one prohibited tree. Consequently, they become wanderers in the world until their death, unable to access the source of life.
Looking ahead to Jesus, who offers the gift of eternal life, we find remarkable claims made by Him, including being the resurrection and the life. These claims are substantiated through His miraculous act of raising Lazarus from the dead and His own resurrection. Jesus serves as the source of eternal life, and through Him, believers are able to actively participate in the work of God, both in the present and in eternity. The Holy Spirit, bestowed upon believers, acts as a guarantee of this redemption and eternal life. Just as God accomplished for Jesus on Easter Day, He promises to do the same for every person who is in Christ and indwelled by the Spirit of Christ. Spirit-filled believers will also contribute to the work of God by building the kingdom of heaven on earth. Wherever there are Spirit-filled believers, there is the presence of God and His ongoing work. This work entails restoring His people back to the garden, where they will once again have access to the tree(s) of life. In addition, believers actively contribute to the promotion of human flourishing and extend invitations for others to partake in the eternal life found in Jesus.
It is important to note that God does not usurp our wills. The point being made is not against the concept of predestination or that God does not act independently. Rather, the emphasis is on God's desire to work cooperatively with His people to fulfill His will on earth and in creation. From the Garden of Eden to the garden in Revelation 22, God wants His people to join Him in His work of creation, cultivation, supervision, and redemption. He is most pleased when we choose to cooperate with Him.
I genuinely believe that when humans choose to cooperate with God, they discover true fulfillment and purpose in life. What makes this cooperation so beautiful is that it manifests uniquely for each believer. For instance, a Christian artist taps into their God-given creativity to produce works of art that cultivate beauty and tell the story of Jesus, inviting others to experience the abundant life found in Him. On the other hand, a Christian educator engages their God-like qualities by shaping the minds of young believers and demonstrating the love of Jesus through their interactions. The education these students receive equips them with skills and opportunities to cultivate and create in their own unique ways. This educator's work enhances their capacity for human flourishing as they pursue careers, care for their families, and contribute to the betterment of the world around them. Regardless of where and how Spirit-filled individuals choose to live and work, they are granted the privilege of collaborating with God in His ongoing work of creation and redemption. This collaborative nature is inherent to God's character.
