Evolution

DateLine (6/23/05 - Ponce, Puerto Rico)

I believe in evolution. OK, before I totally get off on the wrong foot that last sentence was designed to be controversial and an attention grabber. Did it work? Now let me explain. You probably thought I was referring to biological (or organic) evolution which dictionary.com defines as “change in the genetic composition of a population during successive generations, as a result of natural selection acting on the genetic variation among individuals, and resulting in the development of new species.” The typical biological evolutionist believes that the change occurs randomly with no involvement by God. This is actually not the first definition of the word evolution. What I actually want to talk about is much better. The first definition of evolution in dictionary.com is “a gradual process in which something changes into a different and usually more complex or better form.” Now here’s something worth talking about.

Every experience whether good or bad is an opportunity for our faith to evolve or grow stronger. Recently our daughter had a mole removed at the doctor’s office and the initial word from the dermatologist was that things did not look good and the mole would be sent off for testing. It would be several agonizing days before the results would be available. These kinds of “tests” in life help one refocus and prioritize our life. One mentally begins to sort through what is important and what is not important. For a Christian a part of that refocusing is to earnestly seek God in solitude and prayer. Anytime that we spend “quality” time with God as we endure life’s curveballs or in everyday life it will evolve us. How utterly hopeless the plight of the evolutionist who dismisses God when one is being “tested.”

For me the first definition of evolution describes knowing God and having him work in our life every day as we walk with Him. God knows us because He designed us and created us. He gradually works to change us into a different and usually more complex or better form. We are becoming like Him. And one day we’ll be complete. The biological evolutionist has the “big bang” in the beginning. I’m looking for my “big bang” at the end when I finally go home to rest with my Lord. Christian hope is being all that God created you to be. Little by little we’re evolving into just that.