After an amazing weekend of deer hunting, I've been more keenly aware of the scripture that talks about how God's majesty is so clearly seen in his creation. When you're out in the woods for hours on end watching "the created" with very little distraction, it would be hard to
not notice how complex, beautiful, and diverse nature is. What does it point us to? Remind us of? For me, it is a reminder of the complexity, beauty, and diversity found in the amazing character and creative power of God.
But, not everyone sees nature this way, and I am deeply saddened by how many individuals forget to attribute the beauty of nature to the Creator; and instead, they end up worshipping the created.
Even as believers, we easily fall into this trap. I fall into this trap. We too easily worship the things God created. And, in doing so, we fail to worship God. As humans, we all worship something, ALL THE TIME. Even atheists are worshippers by nature. That's a topic for another time, but let's just keep in mind that we all give our loyalty to something. Every moment of every day, we're giving our time and energy (or worship) to a passion, a desire, a love, etc. Do these things point you to the ultimate worship of God? Or not?
Romans 1 speaks to this issue, but first, let's be clear about how well God's characteristics can be seen in what he has made:
"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.
~ Romans 1:20a
While God's attributes themselves may be "invisible," they CAN be perceived. Clearly. How cool is that!?
I really love how Romans 1 is structured. Here's why:
1. It starts with thankfulness after the introduction.
2. In it, there is a vivid eagerness to unashamedly share the gospel with others.
3. It speaks of the truth God reveals in what He has made - to everyone.
4. It ends with the consequences of not living in light of the truth God reveals to us through His creation and his word.
So, next time you're in the woods or out enjoying nature - or the beautiful things God created, try this:
1. Start with thankfulness, thanking God for his creation you get to enjoy.
2. Don't be afraid to speak up about HOW you perceive God's attributes in the things you're enjoying.
3. Think about how God reveals himself to EVERYONE... and how he can use you, part of his creation, to share the beauty of God with the world.
4. Don't fall into worshipping the "creature" or the "created" instead of the Creator - and therefore, avoid the consequences that come to those who do.
"So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen."
~ Romans 1:20b-25
We are without ANY excuses. Worship God, not what he created.
I praise God for a beautiful weekend in the woods, and I praise him for what he has created for us to enjoy.
Trophy hunting with my trophy husband rocks... ;)
...but the true trophy is God himself - who has given us amazing grace in allowing us to live as worshippers of him.
#spreadtheword
