"God's Beauty in Nature"


 INTRODUCTION
          We have thus far established in our hearts and minds the fact that the Lord’s beauty is definitely something to behold.  Therefore, we should diligently seek after this beauty, splendor, majesty, or glory of God, as advised time and again in Scripture.  This endeavor should take precedence over anything else in our lives…that means anything.  To discover the breathtaking glory of God we must seek with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.  We seek the very face of God. We search for a personal relationship with our Creator.  We seek to know and understand Him.  We seek the revelation of the mysteries of God which He has graciously agreed to reveal. 
          Since humankind was made in the image of God we also look for God’s majesty in other people, specifically His children who have been redeemed through faith in Christ and now have the Holy Spirit living within them.  Only humans out of all of creation were created in God’s very image.  Even though stained with sin we seek God’s beauty instilled within others.  Since God’s beauty is within us, we strive to emanate that radiance outward toward others in all we do and say on a daily basis.  
          We hunt for God’s glory in His living creatures.  I mentioned how there are 5,000 known species of one insect alone, the dragonfly.  And oh how the dragonfly is uniquely created!  God’s nature is revealed through living creatures including (but not nearly limited to) His power, His love for variety, His sense of humor, and His loving care for all of His creatures (including and especially us).  With the one exception being turkey mites!  (which I just had)
 
BEAUTY IN NATURE
          Where else might we discover God’s beauty?  We find it in nature itself.  The word “nature” is oftentimes defined as everything in creation including the animals.  I have dealt with living creatures separately which I believe is fitting.  Animals are living, breathing beings.  Each species was brought to Adam to be named which reveals the important role they will play in the world alongside humans and their connection to us.  So I am using the word “nature” to include everything besides humans and other living creatures, that is, animals. 
            God’s splendor is evident in His creation every time we peek out the window.  It is unmistakable in the air we breathe and the water we drink.  The four traditional basic elements according to the Classical Greeks were earth, air, water, and fire.  We have discovered 118 elements currently.  Some of these, though, have been synthesized exclusively in laboratories and have not been found in nature. 
          Now, let me confess at the outset, I am not a scientist…or anywhere close.  Some science intrigues me.  Other science bores me to tears.  If it was not for the study of God’s hand in nature and in scientific theories and laws, I would certainly have far less interest.  If you are attracted to the study of laws of nature and the universe and creation, then there are some outstanding Christian scientists and philosophers out there.  I encourage you to study and learn.  We definitely need more Christian “thinkers” and scientists.