Life began very simply. God, as a potter shaped a vessel of clay, "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The lifeless structure of the body became a living, breathing creature as it experienced the breath of God. The flesh of created man and the spirit of creator God set together in perfect harmony.

Newly formed man lived his life in simplicity. As a child experiences life in the warmth and safety of his earthly father, the first man experienced his life as the object of the love of his heavenly Father. God provided all that was needed to experience the glory of paradise, the simple life.

It would not be long, however, until all would not be well in paradise. Man desired not to live in the simplicity of the innocence of a child enjoying the continual expression of God’s love. He began to think that it would be better for him to be as God himself. With the now perceived ability to discern good and evil, he would attempt to control his experiences based upon his own perception.

Paradise was soon to be no more. Man would come to trust no one. Corruption now violated all relationships. Man began to hide his true feelings. Others were blamed for his difficulties as his life began to escalate out of control. It now seemed that life was cursed.

The solution to paradise lost, the losing of the simple life, is given by Jesus in His parable of the sower. He that has ears to hear let him hear and he will be restored to the simple life: all things are of God, through God, and to God.