Then the wood-carver measures a block of wood and draws a pattern on it. He works with chisel and plane and carves it into a human figure. He gives it human beauty and puts it in a little shrine. He cuts down cedars; he selects the cypress and the oak; he plants the pine in the forest to be nourished by the rain. Then he uses part of the wood to make a fire. With it he warms himself and bakes his bread. Then—yes, it’s true—he takes the rest of it and makes himself a god to worship! He makes an idol and bows down in front of it! He burns part of the tree to roast his meat and to keep himself warm. He says “Ah, that fire feels good.” Then he takes what’s left and makes his god: a carved idol! He falls down in front of it,…
Tag: <span>love and grace</span>
Pennsylvania Scenery 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. The Delphic Oracle was quite popular with the Corinthian people. This group of Maxims was part of what Paul criticized above in his first epistle. Supposedly given by the god Apollo, some of these principles raise the eyebrows. Others sound very familiar, to our chagrin. “Know thyself,” came from the Maxims, also “Be yourself.” “Pray for happiness” and “Benefit yourself,” “Gratify without harming.” That’s some sweet wisdom if your life is beaten up; sarcastically speaking. Too bad it was…