Leadership for 2000

Wednesday, January 26, 2000

VERSE:
   Then God said,  "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."
    -- Genesis 1:26, New International Version
       <http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?Genesis+1:26>

THOUGHT:
   Just yesterday I was talking with someone about the nature of creation.  The gift it is and was intended to be.  We could not help by also notice some of the things we have done with that gift.  The first word that comes to mind is extinction, but it is quickly followed by restoration.  Like a kid in a candy store, we see something new and exciting and wan to gobble it all up.  Once it is gone, it is not there(check the definition for gone).  But through our maturity, we have come to understand that we must replace what we use.  We must not only be self serving, but we must be stewards of all that is around us.

    The imagery of humanity ruling over creation is an image we also need to take a look at.  Ruling over something means to be responsible.  As you exercise your leadership, be it with friends, family or peers, do so with responsibility, not with a self-serving heart.  I promise, you WILL see the difference.

    Being made in God's likeness, we want to rule with the grace, benevolence, and care that God himself uses.

PRAYER:
   Father, help me see all the beauty of your creation.  Guard me from wastefulness.  Guide me into the proper use of the natural resources with which you have so generously blessed me.  Most of all, direct my decisions in the way I impact your creation.  May my lifestyle and my personal life never damage the beauty of your voice in my world.  In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.