On the Right Track?

 

“And when you look up to the sky…do not be enticed into bowing down…and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.”

—Deuteronomy 4:19

“If you follow a track laid down by someone else, make certain it actually leads to the place you really want to go.”

That caption goes well with the photo accompanying this post. Yet, as we move forward along the track laid out in front of us, it appears we can become all-too-easily sidetracked.

In the last forty years, more and more emphasis seems to have been placed on various concerns related to the survival of nature and our planet. While I believe we followers of Christ must act as good stewards of all God has created, there is a danger of focusing too much concern and attention on nature to the exclusion of an equal or greater concern for humankind.

For example, it seems incongruent to me to focus attention on intentionally preserving the lives of animals, but to not blink an eye when a human baby is destroyed by means of an abortion. If you want to pursue some cause, why not pursue one that honors and preserves human life?

Likewise, it is pretty well known through my Facebook posts that I do not believe whatsoever in anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. Instead, I believe that God alone determines our planet’s climate. In my view, humans and the things they may do have no significant impact on climate.

"But what about the scientists?" you may ask.

The truth is that the scientific community is much more divided on anthropogenic climate change than the popular press would lead us to believe. But, even if 100% of scientists truly believed in human-caused climate change, it wouldn’t particularly matter to me. You see, I know that the universe God spoke into existence is far too complex for puny, arrogant humans to ever fully comprehend.

I remember reading how the majority of scientists once believed with certainty the sun revolved around the earth. It was more politically expedient to hold to such a belief.

But that was not how God actually designed the universe. Eventually, a few brave souls took exception to the commonly held beliefs. As science matured, the brave stand of a few was proven true. Earth was in subjection to God’s created universe, not the other way around.

I believe it is politically and economically expedient to insist the actions of man can adversely affect climate. I further believe that a maturing science will ultimately reject this rather arrogant assertion, as it has, in fact, already begun to do so.

These issues all expose a growing trend in our society to worship the creation rather than the Creator. God warned His chosen people about the foolishness and danger of falling under the spell of the creation worshippers in Deuteronomy 4:19:

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.

In other words: "Do not worship the creation." That’s the watchword contained in this passage. Instead, worship the Creator, the One True God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That sounds like a really good idea to me.

Now, if you would prefer to believe in human-caused climate change, or the equality of animals with humans, or a host of other creation-worshipping ideas, I will do my best to respect your right to do so.

But, I, personally, will continue to choose to worship the Creator. Since I expect to spend eternity with Him, at least for me, it’s the wisest choice.

So, I urge all of us to choose wisely the track we will follow. It matters quite a lot if those who laid down the track were headed in the right direction.

 

_{Copyright © 2014 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

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