Thought for the Month - November 2007

‘Climate Change’ or ‘Change of Heart’? - By Pastor Ian Wilson

Alfred Bernhard Nobel was born in Stockholm, Sweden on 21st October 1833. One of his claims to fame was that in 1867 he obtained a patent on a special type of nitroglycerine, which he called "dynamite". He died in Italy on 10th December, 1896. In January 1897 it was learned that he had left the bulk of his considerable estate to a fund, the interest on which was to be awarded annually to the persons whose work had been of the greatest benefit to mankind.

One of the awards is the Nobel Peace Prize.  As far as my memory goes, Northern Ireland over the last three decades has won the Nobel Peace prize on at least two occasions. It is understandable that in a conflict situation, the Nobel Prize could be awarded whether you agree with the recipients or not.

One of the recipients this year was Al Gore, for his work on climate change. The Norwegian Nobel Committee said it wanted to bring into sharper focus the "increased danger of violent conflicts and wars, within and between states" posed by climate change.

One person commented on the award, “How very odd that so many question why people advocating the notion of human beings living in peaceful coexistence with our own planet and the other creatures that share it, should be worthy of a Peace Prize”.

On the other hand another said, “Absolutely ridiculous! When does being a mouthpiece for debatable science qualify anyone for a Peace Prize? Al Gore's selection cheapens the Prize and calls into question the judges' motives”.

Does the Nobel Peace Prize committee really think that if we cut our carbon emissions the world will become a peaceful place?  I personally fail to make the link.

The problem of a lack of peace is not a climate problem rather it is a sinful problem.  True peace will only come when men have peace with God.

Romans 5:1 "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"

This peace cost the Lord Jesus his all as he died on the cross.

Col. 1:20 "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven."

Paul taught that those who have peace with God will display the fruit of the spirit. Part of which is peace.

Galatians 5:22 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"

Climate change may be important but a heart change is much more important.

Are you SURE that you have your place booked in Heaven? Read this if you're not!