Creation or Creator?

           

             The eclipse this past week was amazing!  Some families drove thousands of miles to be certain they would be in the exact line of coverage, so they could “experience” it.  Others  from around the world came to the United States to see the event!  People marveled as they watched the sun being covered by the moon.  There are tales of people celebrating like it was New Year’s or proposing marriage, dancing or other such behaviors.  They were captivated like it was the “end all, be all.”  Then there was darkness…… and then it was over.

            I agree, the eclipse was a once in a lifetime event (unless you count the one that is supposed to happen again in seven years!) that was a wondrous example of God’s great creation!  And that’s the point.  It was an event completely in God’s plan, just like the storm in the desert or a beautiful double rainbow.  Yet, as a society we have elevated this “eclipse event” to something beyond a “natural phenomenon.”  It became a source of excitement that surpassed anything else of importance on that particular day. 

            Is it possible during this “event” we took our eyes off Christ, the Creator, and focused totally on his creation?  Did we place a higher worth on the eclipse than we did God, even if for a moment?  Some would call this idolatry.  And while that may seem extreme, whenever we place anything or anyone before The Lord, that’s exactly what it is!

            It’s easy for Believers to recognize the “end times.”  They are all around us, even to the “natural disasters” that seem to be plaguing the world.  Just this week – even as I write this – there is a horrific disaster occurring in Texas, as Hurricane Harvey pounds the area with wind and rain.  Can we look at that “event” as another natural phenomenon….yet as a sign of the last days? 

            A hurricane, is after all, truly a natural event….yet, because of the devastation and death it creates we don’t look at that as anything wonderful---rather, and rightly so, it’s horrible!  We don’t for a moment, look at that as anything worth getting excited about, rushing to “watch” or even driving hours to be a part.  We instead, again, rightly so, recoil, with horror.  Yet, this too, is part of God’s creation.

            I suggest these ‘acts of nature’ should be viewed as something spectacular and powerful that demonstrates God’s awesome power, even though one is received with joy and wonder, while the other is cause for grief and sadness.  When we consider it is God who grants mercy and love to each of us, we can reflect on the ‘occurrence’ with awe in the Creator rather than the creation.

            I encourage you to reflect on how you view these amazing acts of nature.  Are they greater than the Creator?  Is there more joy and excitement found in studying these unusual phenomenon, than there is studying about our Lord and Savior?  It’s easy to get caught up in all the hype.  It’s harder to admit, we perhaps have gone a little overboard, and ask forgiveness for tilting our worship, even when done without deliberate intention.  ……yet…..  repentance is the right thing to do.

The Bible As Curriculum

In just a few weeks, for children, summer comes officially to an end, as schools around the country open their doors for another year of education.  There are parents who are delighted, because they once again have their freedom to come and go as they please without the burden of either taking the children with them, or finding a sitter to watch them while they are away.   

Other parents loathe the idea of school starting again, as they enjoy the time spent with their “littles.”  I admit, I was one of these kinds of parents.  When my children were small, homeschooling was not yet an appealing option of the “educational world” and was honestly frowned upon.  As time has passed, however, we see more and more families taking charge of their family’s education!

As I thought about this, it struck me how uncompromising the public education system is about including Biblical teaching within the curriculum.  It is not only frowned upon, but illegal in most areas!  While visiting a southern state last year, my husband and I were thrilled to hear how one school system not only allowed, but encouraged, the local church congregation to come in their school (before doors opened in late Fall) and pray over every single locker in the school, the teachers and administrators, the hallways, classrooms and lunchroom, as well as, every single potential student that entered the building.  What an incredible testimony!

The response was so great over this prayer walk, not only did that school system encourage the event, but the church congregation was contacted by yet another school who had heard of the previous incident, and asked them to come in and pray over their school, students, and administration, as well!   

While “Believing public school teachers” are compelled to steer away from anything Christian, homeschooling parents often choose this path because they have the freedom to include Bible teaching in their regular curriculum.  One homeschool mom even uses the Bible as her center and works every other subject matter around these fundamental truths found in the Word. She literally uses Bible passages to teach Language, History, Science, Literature, Phonics, Art, Geography, and more!   What a novel idea!

It’s amazing to see how our lives are intertwined with the Bible in each of these specific subjects!  It’s a great reminder to know our lives can be defined (and should be) by the words that fall into this context!  While the Science section seems unlikely, given the reach Science has in our world through technology, there is a wealth of information there…..and it’s interesting to note how often Science, even if inadvertently, will eventually prove the Bible accurate in this field!

Young children, who are taught The Word, are growing in ways unparalleled to their counter parts, who receive no Biblical foundation.  They are taught love and respect, kindness and understanding, forgiveness and a willingness to help one another.  I’m not saying these attributes aren’t taught elsewhere in other homes (or schools), but adding Christ to the equation adds an entirely different dimension. 

I challenge you to evaluate what your children are learning, whether in public, private, or in a homeschooling environment.  Are they learning the Bible, as well as, the fundamental “Reading, Writing, and ‘Rithmetic?”   As parents, it’s our responsibility to know they are!

Human Conditions

        A dear friend of mine has been active in one of our local churches since her youth.  She has taught adult Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, been on countless committees and chaired countless functions. There was a discussion one Sunday morning in our Sunday School class about salvation and the return of Christ.  Despite all her years of experience and knowledge she didn’t understand this concept.  She believed that “good works” and living a Christian life is enough.  Another member of the class insisted he felt he was in heaven now!  How disillusioned my friends are!

The very idea that this world with all its pain, illness and disease, hatred, vicious evil behavior and attitudes could come close to heaven completely blows my mind.  Our world is mired in self-seeking, unethical, immoral and godless behavior.  Yet, daily, people are gravitating towards all that this life, while the glitz and glitter in sins, clouds their eyes from what is real.  They are totally missing the fact that only through Jesus, is heaven attained.

            It’s so easy to get lost in our world. The “trappings” of our society can easily cloud our vision of eternity.  Some say, “This is it! When you die, it’s over.”  And with so much available in our lives with technology, new inventions and discoveries made every day through Science, many people believe they have found it all.  In our human-ness we lose sight of what is most important: our faith in Jesus who died a cruel death that we may have life after death if only we believe.

            Instead of relying on what God has taught us, we choose to make human plans and form traditions we follow week after week and year after year.   Traditions seem to help us focus on what we need to do; and I’m not faulting traditions at all!  In fact, I find them warm and comfortable.  Sometimes it is traditions that bring families together when all else fails!  Thanksgiving and Christmas “get togethers” for families is a good example of this. 

 Sometimes however, human traditions take the place of actual worship and over runs any relationship with God.  We become relaxed and laid backed in our faith; “lukewarm” and unable to be productive for the Kingdom. Our faith becomes hollow and shallow without any real commitment or passion.          

                                                           

God talks about this in His word, and says to be lukewarm is not good at all.  He wants us alert, steady, and moving forward with purpose.  He wants us stepping out of our comfort zone to share His Word of love and salvation with our friends, co-workers, families and even strangers if we are led.  He wants us focused on Him!

           

            Will I see my friends from that Sunday School class in heaven someday?  I don’t know.  I, along with another friend, tried desperately to show them the Way.  Did they accept it?  Again, I don’t know.  Their traditions and philosophy didn’t agree with the Bible.  All I can do is pray that one day they do believe with their whole heart that Jesus Christ is the one and only way to get to heaven.

            So I challenge you to reflect on your traditions.  Do they interfere with your personal relationship with God?  Is God first in all areas of your life?