Yin Yang is a Chinese philosophical concept that attempts to explain the natural order of the world. It denotes the idea that balance is a result of two polar opposite forces being present at the same time. Each one only exists in relation to the other. For example, cold is relative to hot or female is relative to male. As this idea holds some truth, scripture reveals to us an in-depth understanding of its origin.
In Genesis 1, scripture describes the process of creation, as God puts His artistic vision to the test, perfecting heaven and earth, speaking life to the rich soil, hanging the stars, moon, and sun, creating sea creatures and creatures of the land, and of course designing the mold made in His image--you and I. But before all of this, scripture reveals that God said, "'Let there be light'; and there was light. And God saw the light, and that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night." (Genesis 1:3-5) God knew what He was doing when He divided darkness from light. He was establishing order on the earth. Later in this chapter, scripture states that God created the lights (sun, moon, and stars). Each has a unique purpose--one rules over the day as the other rules over the night. Why? Scripture states, "...to divide the day from night; and [to] let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years." (Genesis 1:14) He knew what we would need in order to live a life devoid of chaos and confusion. With day and night set in place, there is structure, the conception of time, and there is balance in the universe. Not to mention, all of God's creation is engineered in such a way to harmoniously exist between the two.
If you think about it, throughout scripture, we are called to be the light in the midst of the darkness. Without darkness, there would be no need for light. Therefore, let us think of our place in the grand scheme of things. We stand strategically positioned as light in the dark arenas of our residences, our schools, our jobs, etc. We must think of how God has chosen us to play a part in the order of His kingdom. There will always be darkness. All that means to us is that we have to shine a little brighter!
As we continue to Genesis 2:5, we realize that rain had not fallen as of yet, therefore, the vegetation of the earth could not grow. In addition, "there was no man to till the ground". So, "a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground." (Genesis 2:6) It was then that God formed man from the "dust of the ground". Eventhough sunlight and darkness were already present, life did not form until rain fell upon the earth. This reinforces another important component of the balance of life: rain and sunlight. I find it significant that it wasn't until after it rained that God formed man. I liken rain to the trials and tests we face in life. It is during the periods of rain that our form becomes softened and more malleable. We are like putty in our Maker's hands, conducive to being transformed. Also, rain is vital for growth. As scripture states, rain was needed "before any herb of the field had grown". We mature through our rainy seasons. God uses this time to teach us invaluable lessons. We need rain just as much as we need sunshine. They are interdependent and work together for our good.
In Genesis 3, scripture explains the fall of man, the moment Adam and Eve became enlightened. This is where we are introduced to the spiritual warfare that goes on between good and evil. The moment that Eve bit of the forbidden fruit and encouraged Adam to do the same was the moment that mankind's eyes were opened to the unseen truth. Satan in the disguise of a serpent had tempted Eve and won. God who learns of this, curses the serpent and states, "...I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." (Genesis 3:15) This scene sets a precedence in establishing foreknowledge of the ongoing battle already occuring between good and evil. As a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience, both man and woman would suffer the consequences, the greatest of all is that we are now aware of the spritual darkness in this world. The dichotomy of good versus evil perpetuates in our lives day to day. As scripture states, the enemy will attack us constantly, "bruising" our heels and in return we shall "bruise" his head. We will be forced to rise against evil daily being representatives of the good that is in this world.
Neither good nor evil mean anything without the other. If we are to boil down this concept into more relative terms, think about any turmoil you have faced. As part of God's natural order, we do not become aware of the wrong in our lives until we are aware of the good. As a part of God's creation, we are innately good, therefore, evil will constantly try to rise against us. It is imperative that we stand firm and not be moved. Naturally, good will fight back. God is good. God is in our corner. As scripture suggests, the enemy (serpent) is under our feet. He may try to nip at our heels, but the Lord has equipped us with the ability to stomp upon adversity.
Readers, let us fully understand where we stand in God's grand scheme and design. Let us walk with the fullness of knowing that we are God's creation, wonderfully made in His image. We are the light in the midst of the darkness, the sunshine in the midst of the rain, and the good that outweighs the evil. Be encouraged as the trials of life ebb and flow knowing that they too shall pass. All things in the order of God's kingdom has its reason and season! God bless!
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