The animal kingdom’s capability of employing their physical senses greatly surpasses man’s capacity. A polar bear’s sense of smell or an eagle’s incredible eyesight, are prime examples. The Bald Eagle, our national bird, also a symbol of strength, power and dignity, is even featured on the presidential seal. The Bible likens God to an eagle that spreads its wings in care of its young, “How I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.” (Exodus 19:4)
Motorsports has a unique way of tantalizing the human senses. The unparalleled action of spirited racing offers spectacular visual confrontations of high-speed, multi-colored vehicles infectiously catching the eye of those who love the sound of powerful engines, the pungent smells of exotic fuels, and the taste of competition, all the while feeling the physical closeness of man and machine.
From a spiritual viewpoint, the eyes allow us to visualize the unseen. The ear beckons for solitude where we can listen for that still quiet voice of God. The nose senses the acceptable aroma of living sacrifices—those involved in the service of the Master’s work. An appetite for spiritual nourishment, needed for every believer’s growth, fills the soul’s hunger pangs. And feelings deep within an individual’s heart, gently allows them to grasp the mysteries of God’s kingdom, eventually leading to reconciliation with the Heavenly Father.
Old Testament teachings reveal some interesting connections between man and God. The beauty and symbolism of the tabernacle was designed to God’s specifications so that its colors and hues would have significant visual meaning. God’s people were instructed in the making of music, whether in songs, or played on instruments, as a way of continually hearing about Him. The sacrifices, burned as offerings, emitted aromas that were all too familiar. The annual feasts weren’t just parties, they were celebrations and memorials, with the different foods being symbolic. And lastly the head of an animal that was to be sacrificed as a sin offering was touched, symbolizing the fact that it was taking their place.
Going about our daily lives, we must not ignore the use of our senses in ways that increase our discernment of the world around us, eventually pointing mankind towards the most significant element of life—the worship of God.
The smell of nitro may turn people on; but by committing our lives to God, we [in turn] become the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved. In a Roman triumphal procession, the Roman general would display his treasures and captives amidst a cloud of incense burned for the gods. To the victors, the aroma was sweet, but to the captives in the parade, it was the smell of slavery and death. The redeemed recognize the life-giving fragrance of the message.
In a racing engine, if a cylinder is lean, you feed it more fuel. When the motor is trying to say something, a wise mechanic listens to the message, ponders all the gathered information, comes to a decision, makes the necessary changes—then he gets to taste the fruit of his labor.
From God’s book of power-plant proverbs: Seeing raw fuel is a sign that a motor is rich; but seeing a person’s faithfulness to God is a sign of greater riches. As a result of looking and listening, that still small voice comes across loud and clear: “Stay on the path, keep your ears open and your eyes focused on the Lord, and in doing so, you’ll detect that godly sense beats the other cents any day.”
