Stewards of Life

Our pastor this week was giving us a pep talk on stewardship. He used 1 Corinthians 4:1 to remind us of how we are responsible for evangelizing others around us, but the more I reflected on this verse, the more I realized the importance of our stewardship from another perspective.

1 Cor 4:1: "This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God."

What are the mysteries of God? Of course, there’s the Trinity, the power of the Resurrection, and Heaven just name a few. But what if we looked at the mysteries of God from nature’s perspective?

There’s the universe, our galaxy, our solar system, our planet, our continent, our country, our state, our city, our neighborhood, our family, and our children. Why do I consider these mysteries?

The Big Bang theory and other “universe starter” theories all culminate around one idea: that at one moment in time “energy happened” and when it cooled, we got electrons, protons, etc. The universe came from a single point and expanded from there. Mysteries abound in this application of science since no scientist can tell you where the “energy” came from.

The fact that we are even here is fascinating. The fact that our planet can sustain life is amazing. The fact that scientists believe there are between 5 and 100 million species of life here on earth is awe-inspiring (source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20109284/ ).

The consideration that human life starts with the sharing of two independent DNA samples that are immediately combined to create a brand new human is unfathomable. What’s even more incredible is that within that new one cell, everything a new human being needs to make them a unique being is there; and when that human being dies, it will be immediately extinct.

In my last posting we touched on the mysteries of this physical 4% of the known universe, but what other mysteries of God exist? Can you think of one? Leave a comment and we can share with each other.

Right now, I can think of a biggie! God loves us each individually for who we are and that He knows how many hairs are on our heads. That is a mystery to sink your teeth into! The mystery of that kind of love is so encompassing, that we never really grasp what Divine Love means.

What does stewardship mean in relation to these mysteries? It means that we are to grow and cultivate those around us by educating them with this reality. Yet how often do we take the time to even mention the words “God loves you” to others? What are we afraid of?

A steward’s job is a very important one. It means that we are entrusted with the care of life around us. How many times to we see a piece of trash on the ground, but don’t pick it up? Are we being good stewards with respect to our own earth? What about when we see someone abusing themselves or others? Do we take the time to say, “You are special to God, take care of yourself and your family.” Usually we believe that it’s none of our business. However, if we are stewards, then every human life is sacred and loved by God.

I feel Colorado’s call right now is to share the truth that Amendment 48 brings to light: “The term ‘Person’ or ‘Persons’ shall include any human from the time of fertilization.” Visit the Colorado for Equal Rights website to learn more. (http://www.coloradoforequalrights.com/ )

Stewardship is huge responsibility not to be taken lightly. As Christians, not only do we have a duty fight for life, but we have the responsibility to cultivate it. This means caring for human life, for the earth and our galaxy. Life is a mystery! Cultivate it! Love is a mystery. Share it!

Next week, what it means to be stewards of the universe. See you then.

Where's the 96%?

I have to thank my husband for this week’s posting. He sent me an article: (http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/080804-mm-dark-energy-superclusters.html)

and suggested “96% of our universe can't be seen, but we are to believe it is there…remind you of anything else prominent in our lives?”

He referred to the following quote: “Dark energy is thought to make up about 74 percent of the universe, while dark matter — a mysterious form of matter that scientists can only detect by noting its gravitational pull on things — makes up about 22 percent. That leaves only 4 percent of the universe composed of things we can see and touch: the normal protons, electrons and neutrons called baryonic matter.”

Hmmmmm…a little math:

Dark energy 74% + Dark matter 22%

= Total unknown matter: 96%

Read the sentence again…Dark energy is thought to make up… dark matter a mysterious form of matter.

So, basically scientists are using “evidence” to produce this theory using other theories and laws, including the conservation of energy ( http://www.fi.edu/guide/hughes/energyconservation.html ) and Kepler’s law (http://home.cvc.org/science/kepler.htm ).

Fine, I accept this. Scientists are still learning about what makes our universe tick.

Okay, now I want to turn your attention to another topic.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Gen1:3)

“Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind…”(Exodus14:21)

“Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.” (John 6:11)

“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30)

Facts: (1) The earth is here. (2) Moses was a real person and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics indicate that Exodus 14:21 happened (http://www.trafford.com/4dcgi/robots/05-0498.html ). (3) Jesus existed and he fed over 5000 people, history does not dispute that. (4) Jesus healed many sick people and restored people to health…even life.

Fine. I accept this. I am still learning more and so are historians and archaeologists.

Scientists want us to believe things we can’t see…96% of what we can’t see. The Bible contains historic facts. Does it contain less than 4% of facts?

Scientists ask us to believe what we cannot see, yet believe God is a myth. There are Christians who ask us to believe the Bible, but discard science. So why can’t we all get along?

I believe it is because we are not asking the same question.

Which is the harder question to answer? How or why?

“How” is a question that can be answered with more research. “Why” is a question that can only be answered with the heart. If you cannot come to terms with your heart, then you can never answer the question why. If you are so threatened by the fact that there is something out there bigger than humankind, you may never get to the why and you will continue to be befuddled by the how. It is only when “how” and “why” come together that Truth makes sense.

While I don’t think Dr. Wayne Dyer would appreciate the way I use his quote (his new age thinking that you are your own universe doesn’t leave room for God), it doesn’t mean his quote doesn’t hold merit.

"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change..."

How far could we get with science if we were determined to look at it through God’s eyes instead of our own? Just a thought.

(Picture from NASA:

http://www.nasaimages.org/luna/servlet/detail/nasaNAS~12~12~64321~168808:Towering-Infernos