Why are things what they are?

Ever wonder why things are called what they are? Why are some flying insects called wasps and others bees? Why are some animals called cows and others horses? Why are newspapers titled with names such as Chronicle, Journal or Courier? Why is this column titled "Good Thinking?"

It began with God! God had some great thoughts, divine thoughts. God expressed those thoughts in words. His words had the power to transform thoughts into deeds, to translate dreams into realities.

In the beginning, God spoke a word and light brightened the darkness. God spoke again, and worlds began to take shape; the void was filled with every good thing.

Chaos heard God's command and followed God's orders. Suns and moons and stars leaped into their assigned orbits. Night followed day, and day gave way to night. Life sprang forth and grew and moved to a pulsing, vibrant rhythm. God spoke once more, and Adam and Eve were born into a world of paradise.

Finally, God looked at all that he had made, and God thought, "Now this is really good!" It continued with Adam and Eve! They had all they could ever need.

But they thought they needed more; they desired to be more than they were meant to be. Adam and Eve disobeyed God. They broke the rules that governed life.

They wanted to rule the world and to run their own lives with no interference from God. Adam and Eve desired the "good life," but they wanted it on their own terms. They thought they could have paradise without God.

They thought wrong. Their sinning brought the return of darkness and chaos. Life was disrupted and corrupted. The world became polluted. Beauty turned to blight. Work became dissatisfying, disjointed and disgusting.

Death cast its shadow over Adam and Eve, and over all creation. It was hell! In the midst of the darkness and death, in the midst of suffering and sin, God uttered another Word! The Word became flesh and blood, lived like us and died like us. On the third day, God's Word burst forth from the grave, proclaiming the defeat of sin and death. The hosts of Heaven shouted for joy, and God said once again, "Now this is truly good! Good news for everyone!"

Thinking finds expression in doing. Doing gives direction to living. The better the thought, the better the deed, the better the life. God challenges us to join him in thinking good thoughts, godly thoughts! For when we think godly thoughts, life becomes less chaotic, and we become less frustrated.

When godly thoughts fill our minds, the darkness of this world holds fewer fears, and death no longer poses a threat to life. Whenever we practice "good thinking," life become truly good, the way God meant it to be. AMEN!

Dr. Don Kuehle is a retired United Methodist pastor from Jackson.