Everything in nature lives to give. Plants supply oxygen to animals and animals supply carbon dioxide to plants. The rivers carry water to the ocean and the ocean creates rain clouds that water the earth and fill the rivers. Sunshine brings life to the flowers and flowers bring joy to human hearts. Only the selfish heart of man lives to itself.
A life lived for self is like an in-going spiral that gets smaller and smaller until it ends in nothingness.
A life lived for others is like an out-going spiral that touches more and more lives with blessing.
Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature.
Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator’s love.
It is God who supplies the daily needs of all His creatures. In the beautiful words of the psalmist—
“The eyes of all wait upon Thee; And Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, And satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15, 16.
Steps to Christ p.9