GSI Articles:
Survival of the Coolest?
or the Cruelest?
© 2002 Steven and Sid Galloway BS, M.Div.
Just an old sheepdog of the Good Shepherd
Genesis 1:1
Communicating conclusions from 100's of PhD scholars
Supporting the authority of His Word & the consistency of His character
Human Rights? Slavery? - Animal Rights? Cruelty?
What about God's right to command compassion for all of His creatures?
The Way of Creation:
Sacrificing self for the needs of others. (Ex. = Christ's Cross)
The Way of Evolution:
Sacrificing others for the desires of self. (Ex. = Abortion)
During family devotions, my son Steven (15 at the time), made a comment that really hit home and brought back a lot of old memories. He had recently been hurt by some friends, and while describing the painful pecking order that's so common among teenagers, he called it, "survival of the coolest".
A Picture = 1,000 Words !
This "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon would be hilarious if it weren't for the tragic fact that many children, teens, and even adults have been deeply hurt by the selfish competition that supposedly - in the end - proves who’s the best.
But Scripture says, "There’s a way that seems right to a man, but it's end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12)
Some of those who've been deceived into thinking they are failures in this selfish game, literally die, committing the sin of suicide, refusing to stand strong and love those who hurt them. Others lash out in bitter, violent anger and attack those they think have made it to the "top".
Even the ones who think they’ve won this competition to be the coolest, smartest, prettiest, or strongest don't realize that the road they’re on is headed in the opposite direction from God's Way Home, the way of His Son, Jesus. They’ve been deceived by the puppet master, Lucifer, who fools them all, those at the top and those at the bottom, because all who compete in this evil game lose as soon as they began.
Jesus said, '"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels."'
Luke 9:23-26
The following story from the Bible, clearly contrasts The Way of the Cross (cooperation), with Satan's selfish, "survival of the cruelest" (competition).
"Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to [Jesus] with her sons, . . . ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom." . . . . But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the [unbelieving] Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. "Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. "And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:20-28
Now, please think for minute, prayerfully, and ask yourself a question. Who are you following? Have you chosen to follow God's Way Home, humble submissive faith in Jesus Christ, as your personal Savior and LORD? Or are you still striving to climb to the top, competing with others in an effort to be good enough for God? Are you letting His holy, self-sacrificing love flow through you? Do you stoop down to lift others up, or are you sometimes subtly using people as stepping stones to get personal pleasure, possessions, and esteem?
There's only one way home, into the arms of God the Father, our creator. It's the way of the Cross. Please don't wait until it's too late. Don't let Satan con you into playing the fool. Being cool won’t cover your selfish sin. Only the Cross of Christ can do that.
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may lift you up at the right time, casting all your anxieties upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
1 Pet 5:6-8
Example of Enron - "World's Coolest Company - With Sunglasses!"
Enron's Run Tripped by Arrogance, Greed
Profile:
A lack of discipline and a drive to bend rules were key factors in the meltdown.
By DAVID STREITFELD and LEE ROMNEY
Times Staff Writers January 27 2002
HOUSTON -- Two years ago, the executive committee of Enron Corp. convened to select a new slogan for the company. Enron was on fire, entering new markets and starting new businesses on almost a daily basis. The old slogan, "The world's leading energy company," was too limiting.
The committee's top choice for a replacement: World's coolest company.
"It's a vision of innovation; it's a vision of creativity," Enron President Jeffrey K. Skilling said at the time. To underline the point, then-Chairman Kenneth L. Lay suggested wrapping the headquarters building in a pair of giant sunglasses.
The name Enron now conjures up images of monstrous greed . . . . "