Seeing God’s Creation and the Salvation He offers

      Several years ago while taking walks with my husband and our dog, I decided to start looking for beautiful things to take pictures of in our neighborhood.  I loved the flowers, shrubs and trees that produced such lovely blossoms.  Likewise, I enjoyed seeing Sand Hill Crane families and hawks. Capturing these images and sharing them on Facebook allowed me the privilege of brightening the day for others especially those who may not be able to get out for a walk.  We are confronted with so many negatives in life and often forget to take the time to look around at God’s artistry; so each day I go in search of a new picture to take.  This practice has helped me not only appreciate God’s creation, but it keeps my mind focused on His blessings rather than on things I cannot change.

     There have been many times as I stroll along that I wonder how those outside of Christ cannot see the wonder of His creation which is all around us.  The variety of plants, flowers, animals, insects and other creatures clearly demonstrate the awesome power of God in creation.  No artist can ever produce the rich color combinations that the Lord spoke into being.  We know from Paul’s letter to the Romans, though, why men cannot enjoy the beauty all around:  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.  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.  So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20).  The problem is that many have chosen to suppress the truth about God even though the world around them points to our Creator. Likewise, they choose to ignore their conscience and the Bible. 

     Not only did God give visible evidence in the creation around us, but He also sent His Son to live before us as a perfect example who came to die for our sins. However, many choose not to see the truth.  They prefer to darkness to light; their sin instead of righteousness and a relationship with God. Jesus clearly declared to us, “I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other way to have a relationship with God except through faith in Jesus Christ. 

     As we know, however, there are yet many today who refuse to see the truth. It is much like taking a walk each day with blinders on.  If they do that, they are certain to miss the beauty all around them. Therefore, it is important for each one of us to be the salt and light in this darkened world of ours.  We need to be showing others the beauty of Christ not only by our words but in our actions as well. Look for opportunities to point out how great our God is and what He has done for us. Just as I take pictures on our walk and share them with others on Facebook, let us begin to paint a picture of Christ by sharing our faith with those around us. As we share, we must leave the results up to God.  We may be planting a seed or even watering what another has planted, but the Lord will use us if we are willing to speak the truth in love. Let us together show our world the beauty of not only God’s creation but the beauty of salvation in Christ.  Selah!