The Chicken Or The Egg?

How many times have people pondered the question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?"

Before we answer this question with certainty, I would like you to consider another question: Why do people struggle with this question?

In general, people struggle to answer a question because they are not certain of the answer. But, we never struggle when we have an objective standard.

As plain as this sounds, consider a few examples.

How much is 2 + 2? (Answer along with me: "Four.")

No debate. No philosophy needed. The answer is clear.

Questions such as this, or "what time is it?", or "Is the light in the bathroom on?" are not debated. Why? Because there is an objective standard.

We can all do the mathematical proof (if we need to) to prove that 2 + 2 is four and only four. We can all agree on the time (though we may need to consult the Naval Observatory's DoD Standardized Clock). We can all agree when a light is turned on by looking at the standard, the light itself.

Why don't people apply the same standard to this age-old question?

The truth is, there is only one correct answer. (Can't we agree on that?)

The Bible says, "Then God said, "Let the waters teem with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the heavens." (Genesis 1:20)

God spoke this on the fifth day of creation. On the fourth day, there were no birds on the earth. On the fifth, birds filled the air. Perhaps later that day, or soon thereafter, the first egg was laid.

No birds on day four. Lots of birds on day five.

No eggs on day four.

The chicken came before the egg.

Interestingly, according to a story posted on FoxNews.com, British scientists have determined scientifically that the chicken came before the egg.

Take this story with a grain of salt, after all publishers update science textbooks every single year. Even if this story changes, we can rest assured that the Bible will never require an update (other than to keep up with the commonly spoken language).

When you realize that the Bible never changes, and that it's words are true, then you can use it as your standard.

Then, questions like "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" are no longer a mystery.

More important that discussion questions such as this one, the Bible also answers the most important questions: What is truth? What is our purpose in life? What do I need to do to be assured of eternal life in heaven?

If you have never read the Bible before, start now. Read the book of Genesis (in the Old Testament), then read the book of John (in the New Testament). Examine yourself by God's standards. Then, repent of your sin; trust in the one true Savior; find a good church; and do what the Bible says.

You will have a true standard to guide your life and the answers to life's most important questions.

Life Is Great... And Then?

People say the most interesting things.

I used to work with a man, let's call him Bob, who would answer a morning greeting of "Hello, how are you?" with the matter of fact reply, "Still vertical."

It's early in the day. Everyone is getting down to work. Most people are in a good mood. It's all smiles and greetings.

Then Bob brings up death!

What were Bob's parents thinking? Didn't they teach him that people don't like to begin their day thinking about the last minutes of their life? Here I am enjoying my bagel and trying desperately to finalize a project, and Bob tells me that the best he can do is remind us that he's still alive. Maybe not tomorrow, or even later today, but at least for now Bob is upright and breathing. Well, yippee.

But, maybe Bob has it right. Maybe we should think about death early, so that we don't have to worry about it.

I'm not talking about worrying over the hospital bills, funeral arrangements, travel plans, announcements, thank you cards, etc. The people who are 'still vertical' will worry about all those details for you.

But what about preparing for the eternity that awaits after you take your last breath?

What will you be doing while your friends and family are gathering to remember your life?

Nothing? Reincarnating as a butterfly? Do you think you'll come back to live again as a different person, until you get this thing called life right? Or will you face a Creator who's a bit upset that you ignored all the signs and wonders He showed you, and now requires that you give an account for all the things you did to disobey Him?

Next time, we'll look at a few of these possibilities, and explore if any one is more probable than the others.

In the meantime, stay vertical!