"The Education Ministry is taking a sensible view of the creationist nonsense. It says the unsanctioned material does not breach the Education Act and there are no plans to ban its distribution. But it stresses the theory of evolution underpins the science curriculum and schools have a responsibility to teach theories that are subject to accepted scientific scrutiny."For those of us who believe in creation, the world views it as nonsense and insufficient when held up to our own standards of truth. Now, I think science has a lot to offer in proof of creation and wouldn't just toss it aside, but science can only get us so far. Evolutionist & creationists alike would have to agree that whatever conclusion you come to has to involve some level of faith (check out answeringenesis.org when you get a chance)...
I've been told many times (yesterday as a matter of fact) that as it relates to our finances priority should be God - Me - Family - Others. Basically tithe, take care of yourself, help others if you can. I think this is a widely accepted belief (if atheist just remove God but keep remaining order) and there's some truth to it, but I think there's even something missing here...
Our system of ethics or morality attempts to rank our iniquities. Our legal system determines the severity of crimes, attaches a "fitting" punishment to it and calls it justice. First off, I think this is totally necessary. But I also think this sort of philosophy trickles down to our individual thinking where we justify categorizing our own wrongs as "big" or "little" sins. Eating a piece of my wife's cheesecake in the fridge when she said not to - little sin (maybe even a little funny). Smacking her around - big sin. I've chosen extremes here, but I think you get the point...
I could go on and on about some of the principles of this world but what I find in these examples, I think I'd find in all of them - they're contrary to what the word of God says. This is why Paul warns us "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ" (Col 2:8, NIV).
The things I've mentioned may seem trivial to you and maybe you even disagree and that's fine. But just know that the Bible teaches differently. I think we all know that biblical teaching is opposed to evolution (see Genesis 1 - 2 for a start). As it relates to our finances (I'm bracing myself for backlash here) I think the Bible teaches a little differently than to take care of yourself before you do others.Matthew 6:25, 31-32 [read 19-34 for whole context] - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them." Also see Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Job 1:21, Matthew 5:40-42, Matthew 19:21, Luke 6:38. The Bible talks a lot more about giving than it does saving or building your nest egg. It may sound like it but I'm not advocating fiscal irresponsibility nor am I saying its wrong to save & plan for the future. I do that. But when the Bible gets to taking about treating others better than yourself, our temporary stay here on earth and how God is such a great provider, does it make sense to then leave yourself at the top (or even one below God) on the priority list?
The point of all this comes back to dedicating ourselves to understanding the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" from God's word so that we aren't deceived by persuasive words & the principles of this world. Paul thought it was important to touch on because, I think, it's easier to lend yourself to worldly thinking because much of it sounds good, and maybe even biblical, but if you don't know God's word & aren't spending time in it, it's easy to be confused.
