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In our world today, we find many various theories and beliefs concerning global warming, pollution and climate control. I remember when we just threw everything away. Now every discarded item can have a purpose such as composted, recycled, donated or even regifted!!! One man's trash is another man's treasure!
However, there still is confusion about what is true, the future of the world and what we are to do. The answers are found in the Bible. And we begin in the Book of Genesis.
The beginning of faith is Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This verse establishes that God exists and He created everything...we all must have this basic belief to start. The definition of create is "to cause to come into being, as something unique that would not naturally evolve or that is not made by ordinary processes." (Dictionary.com).
The remainder of Genesis 1 explains how God created the universe, the stars, the sun, the moon and the earth. He made the seas and land, trees and plants, animals, birds and the fish. So many different kinds and species, that even today we really do not have them all documented. All of this together is called Creation (the world, the universe).
Then God created man in His image (Genesis 1:27). God gave mankind the gift of free will. When Adam and Eve chose to disobey, everything changed. Evil and sin entered. Genesis 3 records the consequences of their disobedience. But notice in verse 17, the curses even fell on Creation.
Reading Romans 8:18-22, we see that all of creation is groaning and labors to be "broken from the bondage of corruption" (vs. 21-22). God's answer for redemption and restoration was Jesus who took on this sin and disobedience to give us salvation.
As I think about all these things, I have been really observing creation. "I look up to the mountains -- does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!" Psalm 121:1-2NLT
It definitely is a gift from God. But besides admiring and caring for all there is in our world, if we really look there are so many lessons God has for us as well. For example, when Jesus called the disciples, He said, "I will make you fishers of men." Fish are a major source of food, employment and recreation. We might not know how many different species of fish there are in our world, but how can we be fishers of men? Jesus was talking about each believer's calling to share about Him.
Now usually we can get very involved with our daily survival and our own lives often feeling "I am inadequate or that is the minister's job". However, Jesus asks all believers to be "fishers of men" whether in our choices and our daily lives or actually talking to others about faith and Jesus. So how can we learn from Creation to be "fishers of men"? For example, let's look at three different kinds of fish that can teach us about living for Jesus.
First, the Puffer Fish which can inflate itself by puffing up with air and water. It does this to let you know this fish is in charge and can be dangerous. Actually, you do not want to touch or eat this fish because of life threatening toxins. What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 13:4 "Love...is not puffed up". To be fishers of men, we must be humble, not self-seeking or puffed up with pride. The Puffer Fish can also change color by its mood and environment. We tend to be easily influenced. The lesson for us is to remain true to your faith. God does not change and neither does His truth. This means we spend time on our relationship with God. Reading the Bible, praying, worshiping and putting others first. Otherwise, the toxin pride or not staying true to God will weaken you and can even kill your faith.
Second, The Snailfish which lives in the deepest, darkest, freezing cold depths of the ocean mostly in the seas of Australia and Japan. This fish is also called the "Impossible Fish" meaning how it can live in the tremendous pressure of the dark waters; it is impossible to survive. Yet it does. God created this fish with a functioning protein so the pressure inside of the fish is greater than the water pressure on the outside. Impossible!!! Being fishers of men can be very difficult, and we really cannot do it on our own strength. The devil will fight for control.
The Bible teaches "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4NKJV. We are not to worry. Jesus has overcome whatever the devil throws your way. And He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide and teach you.
And third is the Angler Fish This fish has a rod on the top of its head that can light up. If you have watched "Finding Nemo" you will see an Angler Fish. The glow of its light in the dark waters draws the other fish to it.
In Romans 8:12, Jesus said "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." In all the darkness and impossible places, you may be or go, Jesus is the true light. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6).
But Jesus goes a step further in Matthew 5:14-16 as He charges believers "to be a light to the world" and "to let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Your faith in Jesus and the life you live should be that light to draw others to Jesus, as the Angler Fish, and not to puff us up with pride as the Puffer Fish, but to remain humble so your life accomplishes the impossible, like the Snailfish, with God's promise of love, forgiveness and salvation. We are just touching the surface of all we can find in the Bible and Creation.
To conclude, I try to learn as much as I can about my current world. I do recycle and try not to waste. But I put things in their proper perspective. God is in control. He has given us the Bible and Creation for the answers as to what has happened, how we live and what is to come. And someday all will be renewed and restored.
Our main purpose is to believe in Jesus, trust Him and do what He has called us to do. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:7.
I challenge you to get into your Bible and thank God for Creation. I can guarantee it will be amazing and life changing. Let's go fishing!
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Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Janis Heiser who pastors a Home Church online and in Lock Haven.