Most Columbia Countians 'against consolidation,' 'sick of the destruction of our natural surroundings'
Editor:
The world's first city was built by Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. According to the Bible, Cain rebelled against God, murdered his brother Abel, went out from the presence of God - and began building a city.
From his renowned commentary on the Bible, the late Mathew Henry wrote that Cain "...undertook this building, to divert his thoughts from the consideration of his own misery, and to drown the clamors of a guilty conscience with the noise of axes and hammers."
Henry also notes that "...many baffle their convictions by thrusting themselves into a hurry of worldy busyness." In other words, many people erect barriers of activity and noise between themselves and something they are running from. Sometimes they are running from God. I know this to be true from experience.
You know, Columbia County is getting very busy. But it's not nearly as restless as some folks would have it. As a matter of fact, a few people are hoping to transform our county into "the fifth largest city in Georgia." Just look around; the trees are coming down.
I believe that most Columbia Countians are against consolidation. I also believe that we're sick of the destruction of our natural surroundings. Nevertheless, it appears that many of us have become addicted to noise and activity. Why all the running? Why all the overeating? Why all the unnecessary spending? What's up?
I remember when Columbia County was much slower, much more scenic and much more peaceful. Now it's rush, rush. What a bunch of busybodies we're becoming. What a rat race!
In some cases even the corporate worship of our Lord Jesus Christ seems to be giving way to a full schedule of temple-oriented programs and activities. Although assembling for Christian worship and fellowship is both a blessing and a necessity, the story of Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) may hold a valuable lesson here. After all, mere activity in Jesus' name is not the same without actually knowing Jesus (Matthew 7:22-23).
Why build a large city? Why keep junking-up our county with more man-made clutter? Perhaps we ought to slow down some, and as our Lord spoke through the Psalmist, "Be still and know that I am God."
But can we be still, even for a little while?
P.K. FitzgeraldHarlem