Vitally Connected to Jesus: Sentience of Creation

As humans, we often underestimate the depth and richness of the world around us. We go about our daily lives, consumed by our own concerns and responsibilities, unaware of the intricate interconnectedness of all creation. However, if we open our hearts and minds to the presence of God and the sentience of all creation, we can experience a profound transformation in our understanding of the world and our place in it.

The concept of being vitally connected to Jesus is not a new one. Many religious traditions have emphasized the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine throughout history. In Christianity, this connection is often referred to as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When we are aware of God’s presence in our lives, we are continually reminded of His love, guidance, and wisdom.

In Ephesians 5:1, the apostle Paul encourages believers to be followers or imitators of God. This call to imitation is an invitation to live a life in alignment with God’s character and will. Just as a child imitates their parent, we are called to imitate our heavenly Father. But how can we imitate God if we do not understand His nature and ways?

To imitate God, we must first assess our lives and the pressures that surround us through prayer. By connecting with Jesus and seeking His guidance, we can discern how God would respond in our specific situations. This process is not about blindly mimicking religious practices or following a set of rules. Rather, it is about cultivating a deep intimacy with God and allowing His character to shape our thoughts, words, and actions.

Living as imitators of God requires us to live intentionally, continually seeking His will in every aspect of our lives. We must strive to make choices that align with His values and priorities. This means loving others sacrificially, seeking justice and righteousness, and prioritizing the well-being of creation.

In my own journey, I have come to realize the significance of our connections with others. As a married person for over four decades and subsequently rendered single after the death of my spouse, I have experienced relationships’ intimate and intricate nature. In the absence of a spousal connection, I have found solace and a sense of meaning in my connections with people, pets, and even plants.

The presence of plants, in particular, has been an encouraging and enriching aspect of my life. Caring for plants and witnessing their natural beauty has brought lightness and joy into my surroundings. But is this simply a psychological response to their aesthetic qualities, or is there something more profound at play?

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of the entire creation groaning and longing for redemption (Romans 8:19-23). This passage suggests that creation itself possesses a certain sentience and a deep yearning for restoration. Creation is not merely an inert backdrop to our existence but is, in fact, aware of and responsive to God.

When we open our hearts and minds, we can begin to discern this sentience in the world around us. We can sense the longing of creation for the manifestation of the sons and daughters of God, who are called to bring about restoration and liberation from the corruption that plagues the earth.

By recognizing the sentience of creation, we are compelled to take responsible and compassionate action. Just as we are groaning and waiting for our own redemption, the earth and all its creatures are longing for us to fulfill our role as stewards of creation. We are called to care for and love the earth, recognizing its inherent value and its God-given purpose.

Ultimately, our understanding of the vitally connected nature of creation points us back to the garden, where our journey began. In the Garden of Eden, before the disobedience of Adam and Eve, there was harmony and oneness with God and all creation. Through our vital connection to Jesus and our awareness of the presence of God, we can work towards restoring this harmony and unity.

In conclusion, becoming aware of the presence of God and the sentience of all creation around us is an invitation to live intentionally and responsibly. We are called to imitate God and strive to align our lives with His character and will. Through this process, we begin to recognize the profound interconnectedness of all creation and our role as stewards of the earth. By valuing and caring for creation, we participate in the restoration and redemption that God desires for the world. May we continue to seek and cultivate this vital connection to Jesus, allowing His presence to transform our lives and our relationship with all that He has created.