Pratt: Get your priorities in order by putting God and his commands first
Surprise, surprise! The deconstructionists are at work in Europe, trying to convince the populace that the only way to “salvation” of climate on the Earth is to destroy all classical buildings and erect new climate-friendly dwellings.
Anyone up for an igloo?
When I was a youngster, these same alarmist people types, were crying that soon everything on Earth would be put in a deep freeze, making human life difficult, if not impossible!
So the “warming” scare today is really the same attempt to use panic-stricken people to further enrich the already wealthy, or as they prefer to say, the “Elites” in society.
Balderdash! I hope that word is not a curse, but it just seems to fit the human capacity for idiocy that is a part of our sinful, selfish souls.
Our only protection from these profiteers of natural cause terrorism, is common sense, which always seems to be in rationed supply because it is harder to create panic among a well-informed citizenry.
That does not mean we should be foolish and destructive of our natural surroundings. Nor should we succumb to panic policing endeavors to force people into our way of thinking and doing.
What we really must do is to understand that changes in the Earth's environment are normal, but that those who occupy the Earth do need a sense of responsibility that includes careful consideration of human progress that can damage our ability to breathe, provide food and otherwise thrive. A part of that is how we govern ourselves and whom we choose to help us balance our freedom. We need to practice wise self-control before we start telling others what to do.
Unless we know the history of where humanity has been, we have little background to help us work with where we want to go.
As our capabilities change in regard to the environment, so should our knowledge and practices adapt to conserve what is good before we rush to destructive, even foolish, decisions. I keep thinking about the ancient story of what happened at the Tower of Babel, an odd, short Bible story in Genesis 11:1-9.
It begins, “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech … and ends thus: “So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth … the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth.”
History is the best guide we have to understanding where we have been and clues to where we are going. Science is an essential element in seeking necessary change. How we use our new knowledge is related to our faith (or lack of it) in God as the only reliable source for understanding our purpose and future for eternity.
Although some people may believe humanity is really one big cosmic accident, the proliferation of a variety of religions wherever people groups emerged, speaks to an innate longing for that which is perfect and eternal.
Even within the family unit, individuals differ, sometimes markedly. But we do have an inborn sense of two forces, always in conflict – the choice between what is good and what is evil. It is not as clear cut as we might think. We don't even agree about the abortion issue or today's hot topic of doing sex-change operations on youngsters.
Science says the human brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s. I'm wondering if it is not until much later.
Biblical wisdom on our command to love one another: “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father but from the world.
“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:12 NIV)
In other words, John says, get your priorities in order by putting God and his commands first in your life in order that you may enjoy the blessings God promises those who are faithful.
Our understanding of the world is clearly shaped by the culture into which we are born, beginning within the family.
Terroristic attacks on family ranks above any other in its aim to reshape the world's people groups according to whatever political aim is served. The oldest culture in the world, the essence of family in is influenced by many factors, including – place of birth, care of children, religion, race, language, education, wealth, poverty.
As exciting as it is to ride to the top of a mountain covered in snow, for the unskilled, skiing down can be terrifying if not deadly. Humanity seems poised right now between attaining the peak while hoping to find an easier ride down.
The Apostle Paul has some reassurance in Romans 10:11 for those who find themselves on a slippery slope and feeling abandoned by God.
Beth Pratt retired as religion editor from the Avalanche-Journal after 25 years. You can email her at beth.pratt@cheerful.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Pratt: Get your priorities in order by putting God and his commands first
