Faith on Fridays - Creator & Creation

G1 Sportsmen is our initiative geared toward helping sportsmen (and women) connect with our Creator, the one who has blessed us with the privilege of being able to enjoy His creation.

At G1, our name is directly connected to this idea.  G1 isn't just the name of a tine on a deer, its a reminder of Genesis 1.  Genesis 1:26-31 says, 

"Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so. God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day."

A few things to think about: 

• The outdoors and wildlife we pursue were created by God and He called His creation "good."  
• We are created in the image of God - we reflect His likeness - and are given a special responsibility to rule over creation.  
• God has entrusted us with this responsibility as those who bear his image so that we would steward it as He would.  His creation and our ability to enjoy this creation is a gift and should be treated as such. 

Obviously this is significant for how we deal with wildlife and the outdoors.  God though His creation provides us with much enjoyment, adventure and challenge.  Creation was initially designed to bring glory to God.  We see His goodness through His "good" creation and the provision it provides.  The way we engage creation should make it better and even more enjoyable.  

Many of you will be in a tree stand, shooting house or ground blind this weekend as will I. While you are there, stop and think for a minute about the intricacies of creation that allow you to sit and enjoy those moments. God created it keenly aware of how the pinnacle of His creation (mankind) would enjoy it. Take a moment to thank Him that He created you with the ability to enjoy His creation and thank Him for the creation that you get to enjoy.  

As you think about the creation you get to enjoy think about how you can help others enjoy it.  Think about how you can make it better for future generations.  I believe there is something special about spending time in God's creation.  Romans 1:20 says, 

"For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made..."  Spending time in nature doesn't replace being connected to a church or spending time personally and corporately worshipping God, but I believe spending time in nature can help us and others connect with our Creator in a special and unique way because it is there that we are without distractions and can see His goodness in His creation.  

Have great day in the woods, 

Eric Bean