What would our world look like if Christians were as interested in beauty as God is? From day one of creation, God has had a vested interest in the beatification of the earth. He created the stars, trees and flowers, colorful fish, tigers—a beautiful setting with all the resources for His capstone creation, people. Adam and Eve were placed in an abundant garden, but God’s vision did not stop there. The tabernacle was ordered to be built with ornate intricacies, and the priestly garb, the “ephod,” was covered with colorful and costly ornaments. The new Jerusalem is described in the Revelation of John as built lavishly with gold and jewels and “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” (Revelation 21:2) Because in Eden, Adam and Eve were to tend the garden, it is reasonable to think that work will continue in the new earth. As Eden was made to be improved upon, the new earth may be improved by our ruling.

Currently, work is often toilsome, ineffective. Because of the curse starting with Adam and Eve, our earth yields improvements with difficulty, and these improvements are fleeting. This, however, may be all the more reason to strive for encouraging each other through beauty where beauty can be found and created. People are often discouraged and in need of beauty. During this last semester of college, one of the most unexpected sources of encouragement was passing over Wolf Creek each day. In many ways for me, seeing the creek gave me insights into God’s sovereignty, beauty, and love for this world.

Entrepreneurs have many unique opportunities to bring encouraging beauty into people’s lives. Interior design, landscaping, and product design are just a few areas of opportunity. By creating beauty in these areas and others, we can participate in God’s interest in beauty and His love for people through it.