Carrot and stick. What???
Published 7:50 am Saturday, January 27, 2018
By Karen Y. Stevens
Britain’s most famous living scientist, Stephen Hawking writes in his 1988 book, “A Brief History of Time”, that he seemed to have accepted the role of God, in the creation of the universe. (How generous of him!)
But in the new text, he said new theories showed a creator is “not necessary”.
Not necessary! Are you kidding?
My husband and I, went to see the sunrise this morning off Ferry Road. Stunning! How can anyone not believe in God?
Hawking went on to say in his early writing – “If we discover a complete theory, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we should know the mind of God.”
Poor Professor Hawking. He missed the mark. If he would have continued believing in God, he might know the mind of God today.
God says in 1 Corinthians 1:27 – “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. (NIV).
At one time, Hawking gave credit to God, (not a lot) and somewhere along the way, he decided it was incorrect, all because of the law of gravity.
According to Hawking, God would not have to start “The Big Bang”, that it started all by itself.
I wrote last week, about how we can be on the right path. Then we receive outside interference from friends, family, co-workers, etc. and they push and pull us, into different directions, that we loose sight of what is right. We must stay in God’s word.
I know I say this every other week, but it is what keeps us on the right track.
I am notorious about slipping out of the habit of reading God’s word. My reasoning is that I have read the Bible repeatedly, and feel I know it, but every time I read it, I find something new.
I love when I am in the middle of studying God’s word, or in the middle of visiting with God. It’s the beginning I hate. I think of all the reasons why I should not start something, or how much my mind will wander.
Once I get into it, I am a happy camper, buzzing right along, getting the task done.
Research shows an array of results when it talks about “getting started”. Which doing something you’re not keen on doing, is like your parents telling you to do it, and if you don’t, you will be punished.
There is a “carrot and stick” motivation theory, among our known Psychologist. The “stick” being punishment and the “carrot” for the prize.
God just happens to use both in the Bible. He offers rewards for the righteous, to motivate us, and hell for the evil. He offers a long life for those who honor their parents, and a short life for those who don’t. The list goes on.
Jesus told us to take communion, in remembrance of Him. It is an act to remind us of what Jesus did. That little cracker and grape juice won’t do anything for us. It is strictly a reminder that we are healed, and forgiven.
We must read God’s word to remind us of what we should be doing, and what the reward and punishment will be.
It’s so easy to forget or get distracted.
Karen Y. Stevens is founder of Orange County Christian Writers Guild