Genesis 1–2; Moses 2–3; Abraham 4–5: ““In the Beginning God Created the Heaven and the Earth” (January 3-9)

The beginning of a new year is a good time to contemplate the creation of the world.

The Old Testament begins with the Creation story: God organizes heaven and earth in seven phases, called “days.” He divides light from darkness, water from land. He creates celestial bodies. He introduces life: plants, animals, and humans. At each stage of creation, He pauses to ensure that the results are good.

Book of Mormon prophets emphasized the importance of the Creation. Nephi said that we make wiser decisions when we understand our Creator better (1 Nephi 2:12). Lehi taught that the earth was created for our benefit (2 Nephi 2:12, 14-15, 25). Both Ammon and Aaron introduced the gospel to Lamanite kings beginning with this foundational doctrine (Alma 18:28-34, Alma 22:10-12). Alma identified God’s creations as evidence of His existence (Alma 30:44).

Here are some principles I have learned by pondering the Creation:

• Taking time to appreciate and interact with nature can expand our perspective: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About the Creation of the Earth?
• On the first day of creation, God divided the light from the darkness. He wants us to do the same in our lives, prioritizing important things over trivial things: That Turn Aside the Just for a Thing of Naught – 2 Nephi 28:16-17.
• Knowing that we are God’s children gives us confidence and inspires us to treat one another with respect: The Image of God.
• Our divine lineage is the source of our divine potential: “Ye Are Gods”.
• If creation is an important part of the Savior’s mission, then those of us who seek to emulate Him ought also to participate in creative activities: The Creator.
• Every moment is an opportunity for creation: What Is the Significance of the Phrase, “It Came to Pass?”
• In spite of the entropy and erosion in the world, God will one day renew it and make it incorruptible. He can also renew us and convert us into people who belong in that new world: “A New Heaven and a New Earth” – Ether 13:9.