130. Q. Who made the world?

 

Have you ever looked at the sky and wondered how everything came to be? The sun rises and sets every day, the stars shine brightly at night, and the mountains stand tall and firm. The rivers flow, the flowers bloom, and life fills every corner of the earth. It’s all so beautiful and awe-inspiring! But have you ever thought about who made all of this?

The answer to this question is simple, yet so profound. It’s an answer that can fill our hearts with wonder and joy. The Baltimore Catechism puts it in the simplest terms:

Question 130: Who made the world?

Answer: "God made the world."

Let’s explore what this means, and why it’s so important for us to know and believe that God is the Creator of everything around us.

1. God’s Loving Hand in Creation

God is the one who created everything we see around us and everything we can’t see, too. He made the stars, the planets, and the vast universe. He created the mountains, the oceans, and all the creatures that live in them. He made the tiny ants and the giant elephants, the birds that sing and the fish that swim. He even made the air we breathe and the food we eat.

But God didn’t just create the world and leave it to run on its own. He cares for everything He has made. Like a loving gardener who takes care of his plants, God watches over all His creation. He gives us sunlight and rain to help plants grow, and He provides everything we need to live and be happy.

Understanding God’s Creation:

• From Nothing to Everything: God created the world out of nothing. This means that before God created everything, there was nothing. No earth, no sky, no stars, not even time. God, in His great power and love, spoke the word, and everything came into being. This is why we call God the Creator—He brought all things into existence.
• Every Detail Matters: God’s creation is not random or accidental. Everything has a purpose and place. The sun gives us light and warmth, the trees provide us with oxygen, and the animals each have their role in the ecosystem. Even the smallest insect has a purpose in God’s grand design.

2. Why Did God Create the World?

This is a question many of us might wonder about. Why did God create such a vast and wonderful world? Was He lonely or bored? The truth is even more beautiful—God created the world out of love.

God is love itself, and love always wants to share. He didn’t need to create us, but He wanted to share His love and goodness with us. He wanted us to experience the beauty of His creation, to live in it, and to enjoy it. Most importantly, He wanted us to know Him, love Him, and be happy with Him forever.

For Us to Know, Love, and Serve Him:

• To Know Him: God created everything to show us a little bit of who He is. When we look at the beauty of a sunset, the majesty of a mountain, or the delicate petals of a flower, we see a reflection of God’s greatness and beauty.
• To Love Him: When we realize that God made everything, including us, out of love, our hearts naturally want to love Him back. Just like we feel gratitude and love for those who take care of us, we should feel the same for God, who has given us so much.
• To Serve Him: Serving God doesn’t mean doing something difficult or burdensome. It means living our lives in a way that pleases Him—by loving others, being kind, helping those in need, and following His commandments.

3. Our Special Place in Creation

Among all of God’s creation, humans have a very special place. God made us in His image and likeness. This means that we have the ability to think, to love, and to make choices. We can know God and have a relationship with Him in a way that no other creature can.

Made in God’s Image:

• Intellect and Free Will: We have the ability to think, to learn, and to understand the world around us. We can make choices, and we are free to choose to do good or bad. This freedom is a great gift, but it also comes with responsibility. God wants us to use our freedom to choose what is good and right.
• A Call to Love: Because we are made in God’s image, we are also called to love. Just as God loves us, He wants us to love one another. This means treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion, just as we would want to be treated.

4. Caring for God’s Creation

Since God made the world and everything in it, we have a responsibility to take care of it. This means respecting the environment, being mindful of how we use resources, and treating animals and nature with kindness.

Ways to Care for Creation:

• Protect the Environment: Avoid wasting resources like water and food. Recycle when possible, and try to keep our surroundings clean.
• Be Kind to Animals: Treat animals with respect and kindness. Remember, they are also God’s creatures.
• Appreciate Nature: Spend time in nature, and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation. This can help us feel closer to God and grateful for His many gifts.

5. God’s Presence in Our Lives

It’s important to remember that God didn’t just create the world and then leave us on our own. He is still very much involved in our lives. He watches over us, guides us, and loves us every day. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and He cares about every little detail of our lives.

Finding God in Daily Life:

• In the Beauty Around Us: When you see a beautiful flower, a rainbow, or a sunset, remember that God created it for you to enjoy. It’s like a little reminder of His love.
• In the People We Meet: Every person we meet is a unique creation of God. When we show love and kindness to others, we are showing love to God Himself.
• In Prayer: Talking to God in prayer is a wonderful way to remember that He is always with us. Whether we are happy, sad, worried, or grateful, we can always share our thoughts and feelings with God.

6. What Does This Mean for Us?

Knowing that God made the world and everything in it changes how we see ourselves and others. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we are deeply loved by the One who created us. It also gives us hope, because if God is powerful enough to create the entire universe, He is powerful enough to help us with any problem we face.

Conclusion: Embracing God as Our Creator

Believing that God made the world isn’t just about accepting a fact. It’s about understanding that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are part of God’s great plan, and He has a purpose for each of us. Knowing this fills our lives with meaning and direction.

So, the next time you see the beauty of nature or feel the love of someone close to you, remember that it’s all a gift from God, our Creator. Let this knowledge fill you with gratitude and joy, and inspire you to live in a way that honors Him. May we always be aware of His presence in our lives and strive to know, love, and serve Him each day.

God bless you, and may you always find peace and happiness in knowing that you are a beloved child of the Creator of the universe!