Civilized

Genesis 4:17-26

Humanity banished from the purity of conversation with the Lord, and even from connection with the ground from which he came, now starts out on his own endeavours. The ensuing elements of society have mixed effects. Metal working, for example, produces implements for agricultural purposes, but the same implements can be used for war. There is music but there is a also a multiplication of murder.

The pursuits associated with the growth of civilization will be both worthy and deadly. Every apparent advance will have its dark side. The hope will be in the purity of the call on the name of the Lord (verse 26).

Prayer:
Lord, help me see my true motives in things without getting tied up in knots of self-absorption. Let me live instead in the spirit of the Psalmist who asked you to examine his heart and give it a good cleaning out. Let my daily conversation be with you that what I do will be more naturally for your sake. Through Christ. Amen.