The Growing Period of Creation

The universe did not suddenly spring forth complete, without regard to the flow of time. In fact, its origin and development took an enormous length of time. The Biblical period of “six days” for the completion of the universe is not to be reckoned by the number of literal sunrises and sunsets. It symbolizes six ordered periods of time in the creation process.

During the growing period, all beings in the creation grow by virtue of the autonomy and governance given by God’s Principle. God, the author of the Principle, has regard only for the fruits of their growth, which are based on the Principle.

In the realm of God’s direct dominion, people will intensely experience God’s heart within them-selves. Hence, they will know His will and carry it out in their actions.

God endowed human beings with a portion of responsibility for the following reason: By fulfilling their given portion of responsibility, with which even God does not interfere, human beings are meant to inherit the creative nature of God and participate in God’s great work of creation.

The perfection of the heart of children, siblings, husband and wife, and parents is the highest goal and purpose that God desires to attain. Once these are substantially perfected, God descends and engages with them in their perfection.

In order for fruit to ripen and be ready for storage in autumn, it must first pass through a growing process in the spring and summer, and be provided with the nutrients supplied by nature and the tender loving care of its owner.

Fruit that has matured fully on the tree will automatically go into the owner’s storehouse. Similarly, only when the spirit of a person has reached perfection during life in the physical world, which can be likened to the tree, can it automatically enter the kingdom of heaven in the incorporeal spirit world.    - SMM

About the painting: This painting illustrates how the passage of time is experienced differently by animals, plants and human beings. One reason is that human beings mature both physically and spiritually at the same time. For example, the mare gives birth to the colt and within hours the colt is able to run around. It takes one year for a human baby to walk on its own, depending on its mother completely, and therefore having time to form bonds of love with its parents.