The Divine Within: Recognizing God in Others and Creation

The concept of seeing the divine in others has profound implications for our understanding of humility, reverence, and the interconnectedness of all creation. This essay explores how seeing divinity in others can be seen as a reflection of reality rather than diminishing their accomplishments.

Seeing the Divine in Others

The idea of seeing the divine in others is not a novel concept. In the context of Christian theology, Jesus is a figure who embodies the divine. When we see something of Jesus in another person, it is not about diminishing their greatness but recognizing the inherent divinity that all human beings possess. This recognition is a reflection of our shared humanity and the image of God within us. So, whether it is Elvis Presley or Michael J. Fox, there is a divine element that connects us all.

Divine Reflections in Human Characters

The divine presence can be seen in the way others speak to and treat us. In Christian teachings, the manifestation of God is seen through the parables and teachings of Jesus. Similarly, Buddhist teachings emphasize the recognition of divinity in all living and non-living beings. Both Jesus and Buddha highlight the importance of recognizing the divine in every aspect of life.

Evil as a Perversion of Good

One of the key insights in understanding the divine is recognizing that evil is not an independent entity but a distortion of good. We are made in the image of God, and even when we engage in evil deeds, the divine light shines through. This is evident even in some of the most intelligent and accomplished individuals. For example, the author of Gray’s Anatomy may have worked on controversial experiments, yet the underlying purpose of their work reflects a deeper, divine purpose.

God Reveals His Presence Through People

God works through people to reveal His love, grace, kindness, and mercy. This divine presence can be heard in His voice. The apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:33, emphasizes that God is the author of peace, not confusion. This idea extends beyond human communication to the very essence of reality.

Seeing Divinity in Everyday Objects

Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “That which is other than Trinity does not exist.” This means that everything we see is a reflection of the divine. Even a piece of toast can be seen as a divine manifestation, as long as one sees it with the right perspective. In the Bible, Genesis states, "God made man in His own image," but this is often misinterpreted as superiority. Instead, it means that humanity is part of the divine totality. Moses saw the divine presence in a burning bush, a cloud, an ant, and a mountain, all of which express God’s presence equally. Similarly, Buddha saw the divine presence in a flower and a crow's call, leading to moments of enlightenment and understanding.

Self-Realization and Divine Recognition

The recognition of the divine within oneself and others is a process of self-realization. When the self is seen through as a lie and the heart is pure from untruth, God’s presence shines through. This is reflected in the British concept of The Taliesin or the radiant brow. The divine presence is not confined to religious figures; it is present in every aspect of life, from the smallest ant to the vast expanse of the sky. Divinity is agape, a love that transcends ego and self-belief.

Divine Reflection in Everyday Life

A cloud, an ant, a bird, a mountain, and you and I all show God’s presence in the same way. Once the sense of self is seen through as a lie, the divine presence becomes evident. This recognition allows one to see the dark in the light, the mystery in the common, and the infinite in the finite. Jesus healed the blind by helping them to see the divine presence. Similarly, whether it’s sitting by a tree, catching a crow, or seeing a flower, one can see the divine presence in all things.

A Call to Stillness and Reflection

The recognition of God’s presence in all things is a call to stillness and reflection. When one is still and pure of heart, God’s presence becomes more evident. This is the essence of what it means to be one with the divine. Recognizing the divine within oneself and others is a journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.

Final Reflections

"Be still and know that I am God." This scripture from the Psalms invites us to quiet our minds and hearts, allowing the divine presence to shine through. It is a call to see the divine in every aspect of life, from the simple act of reaching for a piece of toast to the profound moments of enlightenment.