What is the Garden of Eden? If you have read the Bible you recognize the Garden of Eden from the account of Genesis where the Garden of Eden is first mentioned in the following verse:
The LORD God took the man and put him in the
Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Genesis 2:15)
When we think of the Garden of Eden, what thoughts arise in our mind? Perhaps, a place of wonderful joy, peace and harmony… a paradise of innocence and purity where there is only happiness.
Have you ever looked into an infant’s eyes? Do you recognize in their gaze of unconditional love and trust toward you that same Garden of Eden? What about the enthusiastic joy with which a puppy greets you, though he has never met you before? His unconditional love speaks of a world of innocence far beyond this world and lifts your heart as if by magic.
So many of us desire this Garden of Eden… if only we too could have this unconditional love and innocence. Well you may be surprised to know that you already have your own personal Garden of Eden within you!
And when He [Jesus] was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God
should come, He answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, Lo there!
for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:20-21)
We may ask: why is this not apparent to me then? Simply because you have not cultivated it! If you want to become a star athlete you train many years and the efforts you make day after day attest to your dream. Similarly, if you want to become a great pianist, you practice and perfect your skills each day until you reach your goal. In other words, whatever you seek to accomplish requires effort, self-discipline and sacrifice.
Becoming a star athlete or a master pianist attains a passing glory, a trophy that ends with this life on earth. What if there is a much more worthy goal? One that outlasts this earthly life? Our personal Garden of Eden, that is, our inner place of peace, joy and truth far exceeds any earthly glory in importance. Why? Because it is a glory that remains with us for eternity and one that no one can take away from us!
So, you may ask: how do I ‘cultivate’ this Garden of Eden within me? Simply by a daily effort to live a life that reflects this goal. The reward is greater than just a passing happiness: it is an internal joy, an exuberant wonder, a healing peace that we can enjoy not only in this lifetime but for all eternity!
The question we must ask ourselves is: How much do we desire this inner paradise and what are we willing to sacrifice to attain this place of beauty, innocence and truth?
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Jesus said, “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples.
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
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