When I contemplate your heaven, the work of your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which you have ordained. . .
(Psalm 8:3)
The work God has done can have a great impact on us if we pay attention to them. Do we consider God’s actions to be the same as God’s actions? Construction (his world) or of revelation (His Word), both can powerfully influence us, drawing us toward a more reverent and grateful response to Him. Yet if we are disobedient neither nature nor scriptures are able to influence us. We need to pay attention to the importance of what we see and hear and bring about changes in our character and conduct.
senses. If all five of our physical senses are functioning normally, we should consider it a great gift. The ability to see, hear, taste, touch and smell is an amazing ability. Philosophers have long debated how much of our knowledge comes from sensory experience, but few would deny that our knowledge is linked to our senses in any significant way. Our senses are our connection to the greater reality that surrounds us. But wonderful as they are, our senses are of little use to us if we do not use them. Certainly, most of us would benefit from breaking out of the artificial “cocoon” in which we live most of our lives and engaging our senses – all five of them – with the world “out there.” We need more, rather than less, contact with the sensory world that exists outside our minds and ourselves.
Mind. However, if our senses are to be used, they must be used thoughtfully, and this is where our brains come in handy. We need to think more intentionally about what we experience through our senses. Maybe I could put it this way: We should savor what we experience, not swallow it mindlessly.
David told of the good things that occurred in his mind as he “considered” God’s actions. God has given His Word and His world not only for us to use and enjoy – but also for us to meditate on. The truth is, we need vital contact with the works that God has done. When we disconnect our senses or our mind from these great things, we become spoiled.
“A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the discovery of truth or perfection is a day stricken with poverty; and a frequent coming of such days is fatal to human life” (Lewis Mumford).
Gary Henry – WordPoints.com AreYouaChristian.com
