(This is Part II of a two-part series by Stephen Rohrer. We recommend starting with Dominion Stewardship – Part I: To Order, Beautify, and Enjoy)

From Beginning to End:

 

God has woven these elements through Creation from the beginning of time to eternity future.

There is something about gardens and gardening that resonate deeply within us as image-bearers of our God. It is interesting that when Mary Magdeline first sees the New Adam (Christ) in His risen form, He is in a garden like the first Adam, and Mary thinks He is the gardener. Something about working with our hands to order beautiful growing flora is supremely enjoyable. The studies have shown time and again that gardening relaxes, restores, and reinvigorates us.

But there is also something about the majestic symmetry of beautiful architecture that stirs and inspires us. The arc of the story of God and Man commences with God walking with Man in the Garden and ends with God dwelling with Man in the stunning City of the New Jerusalem.

John says “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.” (Rev. 21:2-3). This holy city has “the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” (Rev. 21:11).

Nature has a wondrous, God-given glory.

But so does the beautiful architecture of cities.

In many ways, the resplendent City of New Jerusalem represents a perfect culmination of order, beauty, and enjoyment.

“The wall was built of jasper, while the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. The first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, 20 the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (Rev. 21:18-21)

What careful order our God arranges! What overwhelming beauty He creates!

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Ps. 16:11)

How wonderful is our God that He gives us so much to do and enjoy! If these things are important in the New Earth, they must also be good and right for us today.

How Shall We Then Proceed?

Sometimes it can feel frustrating that God gives us multiple missions. It seems like it would be nice to only worry about one thing. But God, in his infinite wisdom, gave us multiple objectives. Why? Because like the chiseled stones, the stained glass, and the engineering of a cathedral, each component enhances the other. When a space is thoughtfully ordered and arranged, it is not only more functional, but also more beautiful to the eye and enjoyable to be in. When a space is tastefully adorned with beautiful things, it becomes a delightfully enjoyable space.

As with any area of life, God has created such fantastic depth and breadth that any of us could learn for many lifetimes and never end the exploration of even one single area of study. This is why “a man who excels in his work will not be an unknown man; he will stand before kings.” True mastery is a rare thing indeed. We all have different giftings and expertise and must learn from or rely on those who excel in things other than us. But we should all strive to know the goals that God has set before us. Only in that way can we know if we, or someone we hire, is excelling according to God’s order.

If an artist or architect is working towards disorder and ugliness, or is making things that revolt against the senses, he is not striving towards the goals that God calls us towards. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Phil. 4:8). All these things, like order, beauty, and true enjoyment, are not in competition or opposition to each other. They harmonize and strengthen each other.

When you are truly moving towards one, it moves you closer to the others as well.

Certainly, there will be higher priorities at different points in our lives that must be taken care of first. We must, for instance, provide for our families, and as Christians we must be making disciples. But to not put any time or effort into bringing order and beauty into the land that God gives us is to disobey a clear command.

It is a never-ending job – as soon as we organize a space, another space needs tending. But nevertheless, working at this mission of dominion stewardship must always be on our mind and woven into our calendars.

Let us strive to bring more order and beauty into every space that God has put into our care that we may enjoy it and glorify Him.

 

 

All Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.

(This article has been modified by the author from the original form on his blog at EnterpriseonPurpose.com)