We are continually surrounded by the created world. Even in our most modern, sterile cubicles devoid of almost all life and beauty, there is some sort of life to be found – some reflection of the Creator. If nothing else, it is the human occupant of modernity, and perhaps a few microbobic sorts drifting about. But no, this is not some rant on the ills of our modern existence. Rather, let us consider life – even, I suppose, what life creeps into our sterile order. And even beyond life, let us consider all of creation – everything that we say has being, existence; be that matter or energy or however it is vogue to define it.

We live, or most of us live, in relative disconnection from the created, natural order. We rush about in our vehicles, their engines pumping and exploding and the air conditioner buzzing. The world outside of our order – that which our hands have raised – flies by and we give it no consideration or thought. After all, man inclines towards the works of his hands and his mind; and this shows up often in our practice of Christianity. But that is a whole subject in itself!

Oh, certainly many of man’s works are admirable, and we should not disparage technology. Far be it from me to take up a Luddite rant. Yet, if we hide away in our metal and plastic cloisters and forsake the natural world, we are far poorer.

Why? Well, the natural world is certainly beautiful, and often refreshing and peaceful. There are those – myself included – who love the thrill of “taking on the wilderness,” and finding the peacefulness and grandeur of it all. Ecotourism is a booming business these days, and people have many reasons to seek the natural world.

But as fine as those things may be, they pale before the greatest reason we should observe nature. For nature, for creation, is a reflection of God Himself – it is sustained by His being, by Christ: for in Him all is sustained and has its very being. The creation reflects and proclaims the grandeur of its Creator. We have stretched out before us a vast canvas painted and sustained by God – a living, vibrant world filled with life and light – for He is Life and Light and the creation reflects this. Yet how often do we fail to consider His creation, and fail to consider Him? Too often!

As one who knows Christ and dwells in Him, I find His creation to be far more real and relevant, so to speak, to me when I consider it in the context of knowing Him, and find that it points towards Him in a grand way. There is a fresh joy and beauty in the natural world when I realize who its Creator is. My appreciation of nature is bright and joyful because I know the Artist Himself – thus every blade of grass and every glimmer of light in the forest takes on significance and meaning, for in them I see Him reflected and revealed, and I see His work. Such appreciation of nature the unbeliever cannot know – he may grasp something of it, but he always falls short. True joy and appreciation, and contemplation and enjoyment of the natural world can only come in knowing Christ, in knowing the One who formed it all through His Word and still sustains it. We should seek out and consider the beauties and wonders He has created, and in doing so give praise to Him.

Let us not love and enjoy the works of our hands and minds too much – for His works are lovelier, and He is infinitely greater than we!

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Jonathan Allen lives in the sandhills of Mississippi where he is currently enjoying the long-unknown thrill of cool weather and comfortably wearing long-sleeved shirts.