I have been reflecting on the Old Testament and how it still holds valuable insights into the character and nature of God, despite the differences in the era we live in. Lately, I have been contemplating how God creates each of us for the primary purpose of bringing glory to Him. Additionally, I believe that He has other individual purposes for each of us. We were known, loved, and given a purpose long before we were even born. God desires our companionship and our partnership in His work. He orchestrates circumstances in our lives to equip us with unique experiences, talents, interests, and influence to fulfill His calling on our lives. As I think about this, I am reminded of the many examples in the Bible where God created, equipped, and led people into the callings He had on their lives. I am planning to start writing and discussing these examples, and I feel that Adam is a logical person to begin with.
We know Adam as the first person God created and as the father of all humans. In itself, this is a huge purpose for Adam. His position of being created by God in a sinless form, and at that time given the job of naming the animals, being their caretaker, as well as the caretaker of the earth, gives us a huge clue as to his purpose. It was to show us the importance of our relationship to God, the earth, and the work thereon. And as he did these things he would bring glory to God.
So let's look at these closer, beginning with Adam's job of naming the animals. Interestingly, God did not simply name the animals himself, telling Adam, "Here they are, and this is what they are called." Instead, He brought the animals to Adam to "see what he would call them." Genesis 2:19. And further, God valued Adam's input, "and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof." Genesis 2:19. So we see that, beginning with the very first person He created, God values the thoughts of humanity. This is not in any way to elevate our thinking above God's, or to try to give us undue authority, simply to show that He cares about us and what we think and feel.
Genesis 2:15 states, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and to care for it." Adam's job as caretaker of the earth and the animals shows the importance of working with our hands and caring for and cultivating God's creation. By being the first person created and being given these specific mandates, God made it clear that He values a work ethic and that our work has value in His eyes. This is further supported in the New Testament in the book of Colossians where it says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." Colossians 3:23
Finally, Adam was created to bring glory to God. Being created in the image of God gave Adam the responsibility to represent Him well on earth. It meant that God's character, priorities, and purposes were to be given the utmost consideration. We know that Adam failed in this, but it still stands that this responsibility was given to him, the first human to walk on the earth, as a responsibility; therefore, it was very important.
So, in conclusion, Adam, by being created as the first person on earth, was in the unique position of being given some of the first responsibilities (and therefore to be an example to us) that God gave to mankind - to bring Him glory and care for His creation.
To learn more about why I write, and why I share my life here, please read this post - Uniquely You, For a Purpose.
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