Creatures From the Black Lagoon?

Feeling creaturely lately?  Halloween is today, so not for long!  The term ‘creature’ has for some time been coopted by Hollywood to designate someone, or better, something strange, slimy and possibly horrible.  Some may remember that old black and white horror epic titled, “The Creature From the Black Lagoon?”  Of course, it had to be the Black Lagoon, first to make it scarier.  After all, how terrible can a creature be from the Blue Lagoon?  Besides, they only had black and white film in those days…  no choice!

So, as I said, nobody likes being a creature; however, creatureliness is in our DNA.  To be a creature means we are by nature created.  Now you must stop the presses because “Thems fightn’ words.” We are stepping onto a dangerous terrain.  Being created raises all kinds of issues for us - most importantly, if were created, then what force, action, artist, intelligent designer has left an imprint on the lower corner of the canvas? Who signed the created work?

Most mainline churches sing the answer to this question every Sunday.  We call it the Doxology.  You know the words, “Praise God from who all blessings flow.’”  Now listen to the second verse, “Praise Him all CREATURES here below.”  There it is – creatures!

According to Webster’s, “‘Doxology’ passed into English from Medieval latin doxologia, which in turn comes from the Greek term doxa, meaning "opinion" or "glory."  The word ultimately derives from the Greek verb dokein, meaning "to seem good."  The suffix -logia refers to oral or written expression.”  So ‘doxology’ is an oral expression of praise and glorification from the created to the creator.

All good, or it’s all “okey dokein.”  Not sure if this is where we get the colloquialism, but herein lies the trouble for atheist and modern-day Christians.  To get our heads around being God’s creation – a creature, is to reconcile who we are and where our goodness and good gifts come from.  Case in point, is our thankfulness for family, friends, resources, church, freedom, or as the Hebrews say, our ‘Meod,’ (our muchness) due to ourselves alone or do we live doxology to the originator?

How we see ourselves determines to a great extent how we live in relation to the community and the people around us.  To feel creaturely, means to feel and express generosity.  If we understand what God has done and is doing for us and that it ‘seems good’ (doxa) is to experience true thanksgiving.  To feel autonomous, or to see ourselves as sovereign creators in our own right of all we preside over, is to say, well done!  

Do you see the difference?  Creatures live doxology which not only rises to God but flows out in generous love.  That’s why Jesus said, "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."  (John 15:12-13) Living Doxology is a life-long process! 

Recently during worship, Jody and I were celebration during Pastor appreciation month.  I think Hallmark invented this designation.  While being a pastor in this post-Christian culture is a tough call, it’s still a high calling.  I think we need a parishioner appreciation month.  Because, singing and living doxology is profoundly more powerful when done in community.  It is you, the creatures of “The Church” who create ministry.  Your actions away from self, acknowledge that you are overwhelmingly blessed by the creator in our years of generosity and loving compassion. 

I sing doxology to God for you because through you God’s blessing have flown so strongly over the years.  As Simba proclaimed in the Lion King movie, “It’s good to be King” however, the truth that unwraps the ultimate fullness in life, is that it’s better to be a creature!