Christ is the firstborn over all creation. Indeed everything was created through him and for him, and he sustains all things through the power of his word. As such, the invisible qualities of God are clearly seen and understood from what has been made – allowing nature and all of creation to teach us about God.
On the one hand, it’s tempting to dismiss nature and treat it as irrelevant. Its only value becomes utilitarian – considered only as inasmuch as it allows us to live comfortable lives. On the other hand are those who seek to make a god out of nature – something to worship and serve in its own right. But both of these positions miss the mark.
Nature has value because it was created through and for Christ. And while it reveals aspects of God’s eternal power and divine nature, it’s not God. We must never confuse creation with the Creator. But with this proper perspective, there is a lot nature can teach us.
In fact, many scientists throughout history viewed their pursuit of knowledge through science as a way to understand and connect with God. Nature was observed, studied, and contemplated, not to worship it, but to gain insights into God and to deepen one’s relationship with him. And this can be true of us still today.
Of course, this doesn’t require us to be scientists in the usual sense, but it does free us to deeply consider the world around us. What messages are being communicated through the desert, the wind, or the sun? What does the eagle, the sheep, or the frog have to say? What about our very bodies?
Such considerations need not be esoteric or otherwise strange. To be sure, it would be strange not to thoughtfully consider the many ways God reveals his wisdom and power through his creation.
In the end, consider the ant and all of creation as you ponder the mysteries of God. Nature is not God, but it does reveal his power and divine character.
