Genesis 1:31a – Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! (NLT)

I grew up in a family where dad regularly berated things that he felt threatened his Christian lifestyle. Theatres were places where curse words were said or sexual scenes displayed. They must be avoided. Not until much later in life did he learn to appreciate the arts. The political realm was a home for crooked individuals who were always looking out for special interest groups — many of whom disagreed with his beliefs. Perhaps he forgot that government was established by God. Playing cards and dancing were forbidden. I suppose that he overlooked the Scripture where David danced before the Lord. Sunday was the Sabbath and sacred. Mom could cook, but no buying groceries, working in the yard, or washing clothes. I guess he didn't see the place where Jesus said that the Sabbath was made for man.

When God looked over His original handiwork, He pronounced it good. This would have to include everything that would eventually develop from the original creation: government, the arts, competitive events, theatre, technology, electronic games, education.

Dad tended to throw out the baby with the bathwater rather than just letting the dirty water out so that clean water could flow in. He wasn't the only Christian who is guilty of polarization — the either/or scenario. If I coach a softball team that is suffering from one player's bad attitude, I don't dissolve the team. I work on its direction by working on the one player. If the government leaders of my particular country, state, or town are corrupt, I don't advocate dissolution of government. I work to change the present one. If my child's school is getting poor reviews, I shouldn't bash education. I should work to better it.

Most of what has developed out of God's original creation is inherently good. Sin is the problem and the reason that creation heads in the wrong direction. Rather than trying to do away with or completely re-create what God has already created, I must work to enhance His fingerprint by being salt and light in my world.

What can you do to cleanse those good things that sin has damaged?

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your good creation. Show us how we can work to purify what sin has tainted. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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