1. Symbolism in Creation Story?

How did the universe come into existence? How did we as humans come into being? Genesis 1 gives an intriguing and artistic narrative of how God went about doing it. It says that on day 1 of creation, God said, “Let there be light” and there was light.

Paul seems to see a symbolic meaning in the creation story when he quotes day 1 of creation in 2 Corinthians 4:7 to make a point about God’s light shining in human hearts! (Side note to those who insist that a literal six-day creation is the only way to interpret Genesis 1. Many, including me, take the six days to be non-literal – especially in light of credible scientific evidence that it cannot be in six literal days. God empowered us with the capacity for scientific research, as we are made in the image of God. It seems to me, that to discredit science is to discredit the image of God in us and the God-given gifts and capabilities).

2. Right Source of Our Value

The creation story in Genesis continues to say that the creation of humanity is unique, in that we are made in the image of God. This too may have a parallel – when we were in darkness (post-fall scenario), God’s light shines in our hearts, and by the end, we have people that are Christ-like. Paul continues in 2 Corinthian 4:7: “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us”.

This probably gives a great way of how we should view things like self-image, self-esteem, etc. We are like jars of clay, but with God in us, we are highly valuable. That should be the right source of our self-esteem – if not, it is wrong-headed (resulting in arrogance, selfishness, low self-esteem issues, etc).