One can’t help but notice that people who embrace the gospel tend to have a positive change in their social, economic, and vocational opportunities. It is the result of a principle of Christ’s kingdom—redemption and restoration to original perfection. But even in the Garden of Eden, God gave to Adam and Eve the responsibility of dressing and keeping it. God had finished His work of creation; He pronounced it good, yet there was work to do.

This is a strange paradox and a difficult concept for finite minds to grasp. We are often confused on the subject of perfection. How could something be perfect, yet be improved?

Maybe this insight from Ellen White will shed some light on the principle in question. “The laws and operations of nature, and the great principles of truth that govern the spiritual universe, were opened to their minds by the infinite Author of all. In ‘the light of the knowledge of the glory of God’ (2 Corinthians 4:6), their mental and spiritual powers developed, and they realized the highest pleasures of their holy existence.

"As it came from the Creator's hand, not only the Garden of Eden but the whole earth was exceedingly beautiful. No taint of sin, or shadow of death, marred the fair creation. God's glory ‘covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise.’ ‘The morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy’ (Habakkuk 3:3; Job 38:7). Thus was the earth a fit emblem of Him who is ‘abundant in goodness and truth’ (Exodus 34:6); a fit study for those who were made in His image. The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He had given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God should be studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory” (Education, p. 22.2)

Isn’t that amazing? That Adam and Eve, the epitome of God’s perfect creation, were to learn and improve in order to be better representatives of God.

In light of this principle from creation, we ought to take advantage of every opportunity to improve our knowledge, our abilities, and even our efforts to grow from good to great, or as we say in North Dakota, to be "more better."

One of the things I missed when I left the world of television production and advertising to become a pastor was the healthy synergy that occurred when media professionals reviewed and critiqued our productions. Our goal was to do everything possible to improve, and their input was extremely valuable.

Especially in the church, we should strive to be proficient and professional at every level—not to do our best to be the best, but to do our best to better represent Christ. We welcome your input to help us improve.

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director.