Because I believe in the authority of Scripture, I do my best to hold my tongue and keep my mouth shut. My attempts are even successful at times. But unfortunately, where I only have one tongue which is situated inside a sealable mouth, I have 10 fingers free in the open. Controlling them on the keyboard is much more difficult.
And yet, the commands listed in James 1:19 are relevant even to the words our fingers draw out. It all comes out of our heart, and that’s where the problems lie. With how easy it is to lash out in the digital realm, being slow to speak and quick to hear has never been more relevant.
Scriptural authority is pertinent at all times. No matter how much the world around us rouses itself with the ideals of progress, the hearts of men remain the same, as do the standards of God. Sin can take on different forms and be transmitted through different outlets, but the problem is stable throughout the generations. The way the crust of our planet stays solid while experiencing rising and receding sea levels, so the heart of man stays evil and deceptive, whether its platform is the town bazaar or digital media. The Bible knows that, and it speaks to the real issue.
The authority of the Bible is real and relevant. However, it’s not the only authority that the Creator places over His creation. The authority of the Word is a derived authority from Him who’s word it is. It is the inerrant and infallible Source that prescribes inerrancy and infallibility to the Word. We believe Sola Scriptura because we believe the Bible is the word of the One True God, who is ultimate in His authority. And before the words of God were ever written down, the Inerrant Source spoke His authoritative word into the created order. “And God said…” The created order – as a materialization of cosmic authority – bears the weight of the Maker’s words, calling us to submit to His authority. Natural authority – that is, God’s authority as revealed through creation – is a force that must be reckoned with.
He engrains His authority into our lives in such a common manner, that many a time it goes without notice. His authority is evident everywhere. When we do take note of its distinctive, we can be more conscious of our submission to it, or try to rebel against it. Our rebellion against natural authority doesn’t affect its presence or strength, but only results in our own detriment. Similarly, how the authority of Scripture doesn’t need our affirmation in order for it to be authoritative, natural authority also doesn’t wait for our permission.
But our blessing in this life is in part dependent on our submission to His will, as revealed both in Scripture and in nature. Let me say that again, just for dramatic effect. We are more blessed when we do what God tells us through the Bible and through creation. Scripture reveals God and His will to us and obligates us to respond by faith in worship and obedience. And, get this, so does nature. Nature is not a neutral phenomenon without any moral obligations. It reveals who God is and what His will is for us and obligates our response.
Psalm 19 is ever quoted to express the perfection of God’s law, the surety of His testimony, the rightness of His precepts, the purity of His commandments, the cleanliness of His fear, and the truth and righteousness of His rules. We understand that God’s Word obligates our response of worship and obedience by faith. And before describing what God’s testimony does, the psalmist starts by detailing what God’s creation does.
”The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech and night to night reveals knowledge.” – Psalm 19:1-2 ESV
Creation calls us to worship its Maker. The heavens declare the glory of God. Or, as Job put it another way:
“Ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.” – Job 12:7-8 ESV
The beasts, birds, bushes, and fish direct our attention. As our eyes look at earthly realities, our hearts ought to transcend to the heavenly courts. This is not an option for us. It’s an obligation.
“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him…” – Romans 1:19-21
Like God’s written testimony, His creation obligates all humanity to worship Him. But, that’s not where nature’s message stops. God’s intended purpose for His creation is demonstrated in His creation. Creation does not just obligate us to worship the Lord, but also, to align our life to His will as demonstrated in nature.
If we observe the design of a rocket and that of a parachute, we would be able to tell, with some analysis, what the purpose of each object was. The rocket was designed for the purpose of acceleration. Where a parachute was designed for the purpose of deceleration. Each object’s purpose is demonstrated in its design. Take any creation invented by the human mind and built with human hands, and you will see purpose in its design. We do it that way because we reflect our Maker, who also designs His creation on purpose.
Nature communicates God’s intended will. Even Scripture calls nature as a witness to affirm God’s will. Romans chapter 1 elaborates on what happens when men refuse to worship the Creator and ravish their lusts instead. God gives them up to their lusts. They exchange truth for a lie, worshiping creature rather than the Creator, and then exchange “natural relations for those that are contrary to nature” (Rom. 1:26, ESV). They disregarded nature’s obligation to worship the Maker, and they disregarded nature’s intended purpose for their lives. As an example, a reason why we know that homosexuality is a sin, is because it is “contrary to nature.” Nature makes it obvious which pieces go where. Fighting against it is fighting against God.
Some natural authority is clear and general (such as the existence of a Creator), and other natural authority is clear and specific. The Bible gives us some examples of this kind of authority in nature.
“Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair it is a disgrace for him.” – 1-Corinthians 11:14, ESV
Sorry Mr. Man-bun.
However, the Bible’s analysis of the will of God in nature is not exhaustive. We have eyes to see, and minds to think with, and God expects us to use them with integrity in our hearts. Nature tells us what God’s will is, and we ought to pay attention.
Why do women have wombs and the ability to create and nurture life? Perhaps it has something to do with their distinct purpose from their Maker. Why is their physic more delicate, beautiful, and crafted? We must hear God’s will in creation. Why are men bigger boned, thicker skinned, and have more muscular development? The Creator designs with purpose in mind. Why does food have flavor and our tongues come with an ability to taste? The Maker loves us and gives us all things to enjoy. Why do musical keys make sense, both to our minds and to our ears? The worlds God makes are full of wonder, delight, and purpose.
Is it wrong for women to join the military? Well, what does nature tell us? Is it wrong for the man to nurture the kids at home while the wife is the breadwinner? What does nature tell us? Is it wrong for women to look like men, and for men to look like women? Is it wrong to never sit down and enjoy your meal? Is it wrong to have boring music? Is it wrong to dismiss art and science as things that God cares little for?
Nature has something to say about our morality. Our standards for living and our worldview fundamentals are not only based on Scripture. We look to the created order to help determine God’s purpose for our lives. He engrains His authority into our everyday dynamics. When we align our actions with His visible intended purposes, we honor our Maker and are blessed in return.
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