Cloning
“So God created man in His own image. In the image of god He created him.”
Genesis 1:27
Cloning is one of the eerie developments of modern technology. Taking the DNA of one person and replicating it in the life of another could lead to tremendous medical advances and horrendous possibilities.
In 1932, Aldous Huxley published his book, Brave New World. Although his grandfather and brother were world-renowned scientists, Huxley took a different approach. In his book, he foresaw a society with a one-world government where science and government worked together to determine the destiny of man-made men. 1932? What insight! We’re getting there fast.
With cloning on the horizon for humans, Huxley’s concerns have become a distinct possibility. Yet, when man plays God, he always winds up acting more like a beast than God.
Science can enhance man’s quality of life, and science can help us understand God’s creation. But science is not to play God—science must answer to God. God’s desire is for every life to be distinct with His unique purpose and plan. This is one area I’d rather leave in the hands of God than in the hands of science.
Obedience
“If you obey my commands, you will remain in My love; just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands, and remain in His love.”
John 15:10
Parents, what is the greatest proof of your children’s love for you? Is it when they say “I love you?” That’s great, but it’s not proof. Really, it’s when they obey you—willingly.
Many people miss this truth. They say they love God, maybe even go to church regularly, but there is little evidence of real love for God in their lives.
A recent poll showed that 80% of Americans believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. That same poll reflected that more than 70% felt every individual has to decide right or wrong for himself. That’s saying one thing and doing another.
Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” The proof of our love is our willingness to obey God and His commands. Doesn’t it make you feel great when your child willingly obeys you? Why don’t you give God the same joy. Obey Him because it’s your desire to do so. Love Him like you want to be loved by your own child.
When The Clouds Come In
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
Years ago, my wife and I visited the base of the Matterhorn in Switzerland on a beautiful day. It has got to be one of the most majestic sites on earth. When we woke up the next morning, I walked out of our room to view the Matterhorn once again and it was gone. Absolutely no evidence it was there. The clouds had rolled in. When the clouds lifted, it was obvious the mountain had not moved.
Sometimes it’s like that with God. We come to experience Him in an awe-inspiring way. But later the clouds of life roll in: disappointment, rejection, suffering. It’s like God is nowhere near.
But remember He has not moved. He’s as sure and as near as the Matterhorn was to us that day in Switzerland when we could not see it. So when the clouds move in, it’s time to show God you really do have faith. For in time, the clouds of life will lift and you’ll see that God has not moved—He’s been there all along.
Inflation That Calls For Deflation
“… I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think.”
Romans 12:3
There’s a story of a British general serving in Asia who hosted a dinner party for distinguished guests. One of those guests was an aristocratic lady visiting from England. The general’s assistant seated her to his left while the highest seat of honor was to his right. She seethed inside and as the dinner wore on, she could not contain herself. She haughtily complained to the general, “I guess you have difficulty finding qualified help to seat people properly.”
To which the general replied, “Not at all. Those who matter don’t mind and those who mind, don’t matter.”
Her ego was suffering from inflation that called for deflation. It’s a reminder to all of us of the danger of prideful arrogance. The more our ego gets inflated, the more life has a way of humbling us—big time. God’s Word tells us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought, for ego inflation leads to ego deflation in the most humiliating ways.
A Man In Full
“…Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.”
2 Corinthians 13:11
For much of early 1999 Tom Wolfe’s A Man In Full was a bestseller. It’s a great read in revealing the superficialness of many people. Like so many real people in Atlanta, the fictional characters’ lives are based on money, power, and sex. Yet Wolfe’s genius helps us to see ourselves.
It’s a story of a fictional real estate tycoon who created quite a stir in Atlanta. People wondered, who is the man in full, the man who pursues money, power, and sex with gusto? Yet, as time marches on, he struggles to hang on. After a life of prideful self-reliance, Wolfe’s man in full winds up pitifully dependent.
I have a question. What is “a man in full?” A real man? A man’s man?
I propose to you that the real “man in full” is the complete man, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. He is a whole man. And, he becomes a real man in God’s eyes when he seeks to be God’s man.
The only perfect man in full faced death head-on and he whipped it. He started with a small group and now he’s the leader of billions. No one can move men to live right like He can. His power is unsurpassed. His initials are “J.C.” He is some kind of man!
He’s the only perfect “man in full” for He is the supernatural man. He’s the only one who can take an ordinary man and transform him into a real man—a true “man in full.”
Husbands Show Love Through Understanding
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding.”
Proverbs 2:2
God’s Word commands husbands to love their wives, and one way the Bible tells us to show that love is through understanding. Now most guys are blockheads in this area. Understanding our wives is not our strong suit.
For many years, my wife would share a problem with me. I thought that she was looking for advice or a solution, and like an idiot, I gave it to her. She would express frustration with me and I’d respond by saying, “Well, why did you ask me for help?”
She would look at me like “you blockhead”—which is exactly what I was. It took me years to realize that she didn’t want advice or a solution—she wanted understanding—a listening ear—empathy. I’m getting better.
Husbands, are you showing understanding to your wife? It may not be your strong suit, but it sure does show her that you love her.
Matt
“It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.”
Matthew 9:12
One of the things I love most about Jesus is His love for all people, even those people many religious folks did not want to be around. One of those people was His disciple Matthew. He later became one of Jesus’ biographers.
Matt was one of the last guys that you’d want on your team if you were trying to impress good religious folks. He was a crook. He ran with a bad crowd. He was a party animal. But after Jesus reached out to him and asked him to join His team, Matt was so excited that he threw a party for all his wild and notorious friends, just to meet Jesus. And they all had a great time.
But the religious crowd was appalled. They thought, “If Jesus is supposed to be a man of God, why would He run with such a rough crowd?”
And Jesus responded to them, “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor. I came for those who know they’re sinners and need help—not for those who think they’re righteous.”
Don’t you love it? You may be one of those folks like Matt. I hope you’ll remember that Jesus loves you.
