We have all either heard or used the expression of “planting an idea in someone’s head.” It is a wonderful metaphor that is rich in meaning.
Metaphors are a symbolic language used to explain the invisible world of human mental activity in terms of visible things found in the physical world. For instance, the expression stated above treats an “idea” as though it were a “seed.”
The symbolism is easy to follow and makes perfect sense. An idea can be planted into someone’s mind, take root, grow, blossom, and finally bear fruit. “Fruit” represents the goodness of an action produced from the original implanted idea. If other people benefit from this fruitfulness (good works) it will create new seeds in their minds as well.
A seed perfectly portrays how goodness is made fruitful and information is multiplied within the human heart and mind. Nature and human nature are equally prolific!
What I find miraculous in such metaphors is how Mother Nature lends herself so perfectly to helping humans express mental processes with terrestrial processes. The metaphors that can be made between the two distinct worlds are innumerable. To offer a few more simple examples, we can be described as having a “sunny” disposition, a “cloud” over our head, or as a “diamond in the rough.”
The second thing I find miraculous about this procedure is that humans instinctively grasp this transcendental relationship.
According to scientist/theologian, Emanuel Swedenborg, God created things to be that way. The natural world is a physical analog of all the things that can take place in the human mind and spirit.
Evidence for this Divine scheme is that Jesus used parables to communicate deeper messages during His ministry. The irony is that while metaphor is instinctive to humans, such language escapes our everyday habitual minds. This is why many of the fanciful Bible stories have led “reasoning” individuals to challenge the inerrancy and authority of God’s Holy Word.
Every story in Scripture, whether historical or prophetical, contains deeper messages about God’s relationship with each of us. In fact, the Second Coming commences as individuals open up to these deeper teachings and allow for greater understanding and intimacy with the Divine Creator.
The purpose of this blog is to help the Lord God plant new spiritual seeds.
TheGodGuy 