When we truly believe the creation account in Genesis, particularly the way God made people, we begin to realize it should make a difference in how we do ministry. In this post we want to acknowledge that God made us as physical beings which means we need to get people involved in the process.
God Made People to Process Life as Physical Beings So They Need to be Actively Engaged
God made us with flesh and bone (Gen. 2:23) that engages with and is responsive to its surroundings.
With our eyes we see the beauty of the heavens and earth. With our ears we listen to the sounds made by that which has been created. With our nose we smell the aromas of what surrounds us. With our hands we feel the various textures of the world around us. And, with our mouths we taste the provisions of God’s creation. As we use our senses, we experience and learn.
Implications: Let’s not solely or primarily rely on the auditory sense, whether engaging people in settings like the classroom or the worship service. At minimal we can use visuals along with verbal communication. The more senses we engage, the better.
Also Read: Engage the Senses as Much as Possible
God created us as physical beings, with bodies designed to move.
From what we can gather, God initially used to walk in the Garden with Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:8). They didn’t just sit there doing nothing but rather were put in that garden to “work it and take care of it” (Gen. 2:15). They were made to be physically active.
Implications: Let’s not expect people to sit still and merely listen for long periods of time. Children especially, but even adults, need to be active. Henrietta Mears, founder of Gospel Light, said “God put the wiggle in children. Don’t you dare try to take it out.” We might have to get a little more creative with ways of getting adults standing or moving about, but even adults shouldn’t merely sit passively. All ages need to be engaged, involved physically, not just mentally.