I need to start today with some housekeeping info. Creating this podcast has been quite an adventure for me. In addition to learning the essentials of creating and publishing a podcast, I have also experienced opportunities for growing in some character qualities, including humility. Let me explain. You may have noticed that the original versions of episodes 23 and 24 had a low audio quality. I had a friend graciously mention this to me recently. I went back and discovered that my recording software had switched input mics, so that I was not using my podcast mic. I have now re-recorded and posted those 2 episodes. On almost all of the podcast apps, the new recordings immediately replaced the old recordings. But for the Apple Podcast app, you will need to do the following for episodes 23 and 24: Click on the episode, to display the description of the episode. In the upper right corner, click on the ellipses (the 3 dots), and look at the top entry in the popup menu. If it says “Download Episode ” no further action is needed. When you listen to it, it will pull the new version from the Apple server. But if it says “Remove Download,” then you should click on that option. It will remove the old version from your phone, and if you now listen to that episode, it will pull the new version from the Apple Server. *sigh* A dose of humble pie indeed! 😊 Well, on to today’s episode.
I found a fascinating article recently in the Wall Street Journal. Here is an excerpt:
“A prison in southern Brazil has come up with a novel way to bolster security: replacing guard dogs with geese.
A squadron of nine silky-feathered birds—the “geese agents,” as guards call them—now patrol the grassy strip of land between the inner fence and the outer wall at the high-security prison here in São Pedro de Alcântara, a small town some 400 miles north of the border with Uruguay.
Fiercely territorial, the fiendish nine-pounders can be surprisingly intimidating, charging at anyone who dares enter their enclosure and unleashing a deafening cacophony of honks and shrieks that serves to alert guards if one of the prison’s 1,300 inmates tries to escape.”
The article goes on to state that the geese are much more effective than the guard dogs they previously used, much less expensive to maintain, never get sick, and cannot be befriended and bribed by the prisoners with food (as the dogs were). Other prisons in Brazil are following suit and adding geese to their security measures.
What a creative idea to use geese for guarding the prison! This is a wonderful example of man’s creativity. Where did this creativity come from?
Genesis 1:1 NASB In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:27 NASB God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
Since God created the world and all that is in it, and since He created us “in His image,” it is a natural conclusion that God has given us a measure of His creativity, as a reflection of Him. Stated differently, God has given mankind creativity, for our benefit and for His pleasure and glory.
There is also a purpose in our creativity:
Genesis 1:28 AMP And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion [or rule] over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.
God has given us creativity to rule over and steward the earth, and all that He has given us. We are to do so wisely and with care. This includes using our creativity to steward our relationships with others.
We are to use our creativity to improve the world around us, and to bring joy to ourselves and others. For example, creativity is the basis of the many inventions throughout history that have benefited mankind. The creativity of the arts and music brings joy to both the creators and to the observers and listeners. In all of this, God is glorified.
1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do [including being creative], do all for the honor and glory of God.
So, I encourage you, as an image-bearer of God, to use your creative ideas and skills to improve your world, and to bring joy to yourself and the people in your sphere of influence. Your creativity is a testimony to the world of God’s creativity, and a reflection of the image of God within you. In exercising your creativity, God is glorified.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”