God's garden

Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

In the course of my life, I have pondered many things. Some were more important than others. One concept continues to stand out as the first consideration of my life. It begins with a question. All other thoughts and decisions revolve around its answer, leading to the discovery of many principles.

Is there an Organizing Intelligence in the Universe, or did the Universe spontaneously appear where nothing had existed before?

“I think therefore I am.” I exist because I am aware that I exist. The philosopher Rene Descartes also put this concept as his first principle in 1637, writing in Latin the famous line, “Cogito, ergo sum.” Since its clear that I do exist, and the experiences and knowledge gained over my lifetime seem to indicate that all life, and all matter, require some sort of organization, whether on a molecular level or a biological level, I must conclude that there is an Organizing Intelligence.

What this Organizing Intelligence (OI), and what is my relationship to it?

The nature of this OI is not fully knowable at this time with my limited capacities. However, since the beginning of Humanity it has been common to refer to it as “God”. As for my personal belief, I believe that humans are created the image of their Creator, both male and female, and that God was a co-creator Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and others.

John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

How Does the Universe work?

Scientists and religious leaders agree that the universe is governed by laws, even if the particulars don’t always align. Whether referring to God’s Law or Human Law or an unknown OI Law, it all functions the same way. It speaks and the building blocks of the universe organize into particles, elements, and so forth, into the world we see and experience. I exist because I follow the Law, otherwise I am not here writing this.

What is My Duty to God’s Law?

My duty to the Law is to obey. I believe I already made that choice. “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21).

What are the Basic Points of God’s Law?

Everything we needed to know, God taught us in the story of the Garden of Eden. First, God gives Adam and Eve life and commands them to create new life. Second, He gives them the Garden of Eden as their own personal space, private property from which they can harvest foods and material goods to sustain that life. Next, He gives them the Law. The dos and don’ts of Life in this new world. Lastly, and most importantly, He gives them the Liberty to freely choose their own path, subject to the consequences of violating the Law. “And I, the Lord God, commanded the man, saying: Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it, nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee; but, remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Moses 3:16-17).

The lessons of the Garden flow through the history of God’s dealings with humanity. The song, “Long Ago, Within A Garden” by R. Devan Jensen and Daniel Lyman Carter reminds us of this connection.

“Long ago, within a garden, Adam tasted fruit with Eve. Death would be our awful burden—Only One could set us free.

“Jesus came to win a pardon, Praying in Gethsemane—Humbly suff’ring in that garden, Crucified on Calvary.

“In a tomb within a garden, Women went where Jesus lay. Angels told them, “He is risen!” On that glorious Easter day.

“Come to Christ and be forgiven. Taste the fruit of Father’s tree, Sweetest fruit of all His garden. Dwell with Him eternally.

Chorus: “Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus came to set us free! Lamb of God and true Messiah, Songs of joy we raise to Thee.”

There is an OI in the Universe. He is my Heavenly Father, and He lives and loves us, organizes both the Universe and the synchronicities of life for our learning and benefit.

Karen is member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints experiencing life as a wife, mother, grandmother, writer, genealogy junkie, and political activist.