Photo by Biljana Martinic
Thought for the Week
What makes us civilized? Dictionary.com defines civilized as “having an advanced or humane culture.” One that responds collectively to the goodness that is intrinsic in each of us at birth. It’s what defines us as human (in the best sense of the word). It’s the impulse to bind together to love and protect what is innocent and pure in our world — children, animals, our environment, the oppressed or abandoned, and anyone in need.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8
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Beautiful images. The ones with the children (and the dogs and the cat!) are touching. 🙂
Loved the photos but I have to say these days sometimes animals are more civilized than some humans.
Why is it so difficult for civilized people to be civilized?
There’s not one ounce of fear or hatred in those photos, good, Godly thoughts would transform our world.
Great post, great pics
Thank you, L.G.
That’s a beautiful definition of civilized, Mitch! And the images suppert it and speak volumes.
I noticed that it says advanced OR humane – they don’t necessarily go together.
Very true, Kara.
The perfect verse to answer this question, Mitch!
Thanks, Mary.
What makes us civilized is when we’re not focused on ourselves and more so focused on each other. Unfortunately, that’s lacking these days.
“The goodness that is intrinsic in each of us at birth”???😯
I wonder if you’ve ever baby-sat for two one year olds who have an assortment of toys in front of them. When Anita had this task it convinced her of original sin, that we are all born guilty in Adam’s and Eve’s race.😉
One can be playing peacefully… until he notices number two playing with a different toy. Then the first one wants THAT toy simply because number two has it, and if number one had the means he would kill to get it.
What makes us civilized is when we stop acting like children and learn to love as Jesus loved.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Intrinsic goodness and original sin aren’t mutually exclusive, C.A.
??? Not too sure about this?
I think of original sin as a sort of computer virus, C.A. It doesn’t wipe out the original programming (“made in the image of God”), but it corrupts it.
Let me stew on that for a while; a new concept for me.😉
❤️🙏🤠
*A Prophetic Prayer For Every Family In America*
Heavenly Father,
Today I stand in the gap and speak over every family in America — from the coasts to the heartland, in cities, towns, and rural homes.
*1. I prophesy LIGHT over every home.*
_“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.”_ — *Proverbs 4:18*
I declare the darkness of confusion, addiction, depression, and division is breaking.
From this day, every family’s path gets brighter. Wisdom rises. Hope rises. Godly purpose rises in every household.
*2. I prophesy RESTORATION and OVERFLOW.*
_“The days are coming… when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman.”_ — *Amos 9:13*
I speak to delayed harvests: CATCH UP NOW.
I declare jobs, businesses, and provision will come faster than the work.
I declare debt cycles are broken. Tables will be full. Refrigerators will be full. Hearts will be full.
God is releasing generational blessing to families in America.
*3. I prophesy HEALING and PROTECTION.*
Every sickness bows in Jesus’ name. Mental, emotional, and physical healing is coming to mothers, fathers, children, and grandparents.
I declare Psalm 91 over every home: No plague will come near their dwelling.
I prophesy safety for children in schools, safety for parents at work, and peace in every neighborhood.
*4. I prophesy UNITY and GODLY FOUNDATION.*
I speak reconciliation to marriages that are strained. I speak honor back to parents and respect back to children.
Every home will be rebuilt on the Word of God. Altars of prayer will be raised again in American homes.
The fear of the Lord will return to the house.
*5. I prophesy PURPOSE and DESTINY.*
I call forth the gifts in the children of America. I call forth leaders, teachers, healers, and builders from within these families.
No weapon formed against them will prosper. No plan of the enemy will stand.
This is a season of divine turnaround.
Father, let Your Kingdom come in every American home.
Let Your will be done in every family, as it is in Heaven.
I bless every family in America with the blessing of Abraham — to be blessed and to be a blessing.
We decree it and receive it now in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Thanks for the smiles with these heartwarming photos!
My pleasure, Carolyn!
Charles Darwin, in “Descent of Man”, argued that “civilization” is an extension of the compassion of family. The farther it reaches, the more “civilized” the society.
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