Greetings All,
Today there is a lot of talk about “going green.” Ideally it means that we pollute the environment less — the goal being, taking better care of our air, water, soil and natural resources. Less than ideal is the fact that the concept is more of a political football than anything else.
But the term “green revolution,” is a different thing altogether. The green revolution was a period of time from the mid 1940s through the 1960s in which agriculture was “transformed.” In 1945 American and Mexican researchers began genetically altering various grains such as corn, wheat and rice. The altered seed’s yield was maximized by using chemical fertilizers and herbicides. As a result of the application of this green revolution, Mexico became self sufficient in wheat production within 10 years and became an exporter in 20. This humanly “transformed” agricultural technology spread all over the world. It was hailed as the “agricultural miracle” that would save humanity from famine as the world’s population was exploding.
There was a down side however, to this humanly devised miracle. The plants that had been hybridized produced a lesser quality grain –not picking up all the trace minerals in the soil. Trace minerals are necessary in our diets to bolster our immune systems. Additionally, once pure drinking water in our farmlands has become largely undrinkable after decades of chemical herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer usage. So, our health has been compromised by our own “miraculous” abilities. We have plenty to eat but on the whole we suffer with increasingly compromised health.
Is there something wrong with this picture – something really wrong? Let’s visualize a different scenario that results in a true miracle. But because this one is from God, there is no downside.
It was evident to thinking people in the mid twentieth century that, given the population explosion, the ever present potential for weather calamities and the level of food production around the world, widespread famine could eventually engulf the globe. Humanity could potentially find itself up against a Red Sea of sorts with famine in hot pursuit.
We, meaning mankind, had three basic choices. We could do nothing and continue as we were with the potential for famine with its spawning potential for disease and war. Or we could do something such as was done through the green revolution – genetically modifying and chemically enhancing what God had previously made to be a blessing. It (apart from trusting God) seemed right in the circumstances, but ultimately proved to be a curse.
Or we could have chosen to humble ourselves before God so that He could have miraculously intervened by opening a way for us through the sea. God could have blessed mankind with the give attitude. He could have given rain in due season and abundant yields from plants He had designed without chemical pollutants. He could have spread people out over the land – reducing cities – so that people could get their hands in the soil and grow their own food as a family. His miracles would have had no downside — no curses, just blessings.
This third scenario wasn’t chosen. And why? The apostle Paul very simply said, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” (Romans 1:28) The things that are not fitting are the things that we choose to do in our own “unique” circumstance based on what seems right to us apart from trusting God.
The green revolution is just a simple example. But the principles behind it will apply to any circumstance we face any day of our lives. The moral of the story is that without faith –completely trusting God – we get rotten miracles. And with faith we get the true miracles from God without self inflicted curses. In Proverbs 3:5-6, Solomon sums up the way of those who are blessed. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Marshall Stiver
Feast Update
Oxnard: The contracted dates for our room block is October 14 to October 24. There are reasons for this including the tie between room occupancy and the hall fee. As well, it is very difficult to commit to a number of rooms for the night after the LGD when the number needed is completely unknown. If you want to stay after the LGD, the hotel will honor the church room rate. However, to do this you will need to call the hotel (805 278 2200) and ask for Donna in sales. The online website will not be able to give you this rate.
Granbury: The hotel front desk has been telling people who ask that breakfast is not included. This is standard Hilton Garden Inn policy. However, we have negotiated a deal whereby you will receive coupons upon check-in for a full breakfast. In this way, the breakfast is included in the cost of the room. The Church will only pay for the number of breakfasts actually eaten and at a discounted rate.
