Thinking Theologically
About Being Human
What does it mean to be human?
Genesis 1 sets up the first ACT of our story: Creation
Creation of our world, of humanity, and the creation of the life-giving relationship between us and God.
Notice how the creation story is about God taking the wild and waste (or formless and void) primordial chaotic waters of un-creation and bringing his loving order, goodness, and life-giving potential to bear upon it. Each act of creation sets up the hope of the land bringing about life. Existence is not something that happens automatically, it is the result of divine calling and blessing.
We are a physical / spiritual hybrid being
As human beings, we are created from the dirt of the earth but also filled with divine breath.
This is God’s intentional and good design. You were made to have a body but you are also more than just your material body, you are filled with God’s divine animating breath – His life.
Humans are beings with physical bodies and spirits. When our bodies and spirits are separated we are no longer living in the ‘very good’ of our intended design as God’s image-bearers (that’s why death is such an enemy to God’s creation – it undoes the physical/spiritual unity that we are meant to display right at the very core of our identity).
Thus, we’re called to live out a deep and life-giving relationship with God, in harmony with one another, and at work ruling and bringing about the raw potential of God’s good world: planting gardens, having families, growing neighbourhoods, and seeing God’s project brought forward.
Test Yourself
Answer
Think about it and Respond:
Do I think of my life as a gift? And if so, how do I spend my time and live my life because of the goodness of the gift that I have from God?