A Monochrome World?

A Monochrome World?

              

               Does the spot where Larry and I are sitting in this picture look like a warm and homey place to live?  What about the lack of color or softness?  Do we look happy?

               God could have given us a black and white world – everything monochrome and utilitarian.  He could have left the taste buds off our tongues so that we ate for nourishment only with no pleasure of taste and texture.  He could have made ten animals that behave like robots instead of vast varieties of fascinating creatures.

               He could have made humans compliant and obedient – a virtual Alexa, doing what we’re told to do, incapable of choice and self.  It would have been more efficient, more peaceful and less trouble.  It would have saved Him a whole lot of pain and grief.

               So why didn’t He choose to create His world to be a smoothly running place with no conflict and no back talk?

               God wanted more and since He has the ability to do anything and everything, He created a complex, colorful world teeming with variety, color – and yes, conflict.  Oh, it wasn’t actually created with conflict, but He knew it would come.  You can’t create “choice” without knowing its going to choose the wrong direction at some point.  

               God had a plan in place from the beginning -- and so, He created a magnificent, awesomely beautiful world.  And, He created two wonderful people in His own image.  God loved this man and woman dearly, and enjoyed walking and talking with them in the Garden of Eden.

              All along, relationship was high on God's agenda.  Even though the original plan was marred, a wonderful relationship with the Almighty Creator is still something He offers to us -- and the journey is so worth the effort!  It's a true privilege and joy!  As Beth Moore wrote in The Quest, "The whole earth is full of His glory, so keep your eyes wide open, Traveler."

"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.  Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge" Psalm 19:1-2.

"You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created" Revelation 4:11.

"Ah, Lord God!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You" Jeremiah 32:17.

Photos:  (1)  We are sitting at the Salk Institute, founded in 1960 in La Jolla, California.
             (2)  A gorgeous sunset over the Outer Banks of NC.