Mother Nature or Father God?

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While listening to a lecture recently, I heard reference after reference to “Mother Nature.” In describing human characteristics, the speaker spoke of what Mother Nature had not done, with the implication, of course, that “she” had caused other human characteristics. “Why is this okay?” I wondered. “How has this Mother Nature talk become acceptable?”

I decided to check Merriam Webster. Here is the definition:

Mother Nature: nature personified as a woman considered as the source and guiding force of creation *

I was surprised to see the word “creation” in the definition. I much prefer the word creation to the word nature. “Creation” implies Creator.

Having grown up in the 1950s and 1960s when Christians avoided black cats crossing their paths, walked around ladders instead of walking under them, and purchased rabbit foot keychains, I now make a conscious effort to speak truthfully about reality.

I want to honor God with my speech, instead of throwing in cliches and superstitions that are simply not true. I want to give Him credit for good things that happen to me instead of telling people, “I was just lucky, I guess.” In speaking of the wonders of creation around me, I want to make it clear that God made those wonders.

I believe that Mother Nature talk is a direct result of what Paul was talking about when he wrote to Christians at Rome:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven  
against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men
who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
because that which is known about God is evident within them;
for God made it evident to them.
Romans 1:18-19

God provides everyone evidence of Who He is and what He is like. How sad that people “suppress the truth.” It’s pretty easy to throw around words such as Mother Nature. Speaking of our Father God takes more thought and purpose. Acknowledging our Father God makes us stop and think about what He requires.

Jesus acknowledged God’s power as the Creator again and again. He spoke about birds and flowers and fig trees. He calmed a storm and turned a little food into a lot of food and raised the dead. He did those things with the power of His Father God and not through Mother Nature.

What a wonderful opportunity we have to reveal the truth:

• to our children through what we teach them and
• to everyone who hears us through the words we choose.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes,
His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, 
being understood through what has been made,
so that they are without excuse.
For even though they knew God,
they did not honor Him as God or give thanks,
but they became futile in their speculations,
and their foolish heart was darkened.
Professing to be wise, they became fools,
and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God
for an image in the form of corruptible man
and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
Romans 1:20-23

 

 

 

 

* “Mother Nature.” Merriam-Webster.com. 2019. https://www.merriam-webster.com (19 May 2019).

 

 

 

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