The apocalypse predicted by Stephen Hawking is scarier than any Halloween haunted house.
He said the demand for energy from overpopulation will ultimately burn us up.
“By the year 2600, the world’s population would be standing shoulder to shoulder and the electricity consumption would make the Earth glow red-hot.” Stephen Hawking, Tencent WE Summit, 11/4/2017
He said if the heat doesn’t get us first, aggression and artificial intelligence will.
Add the nuclear threat from Russia, and images of apocalypse creep in.
Many regard Hawking as a once-in-a-lifetime genius.
Along with his outstanding work in science came world-ending predictions.
- The earth burns up in less than 600 years.
- Artificial intelligence will outperform humans.
- Aggression is our biggest threat to cataclysmic war.
The Bible offered similar predictions long before Hawking.
- The earth will be destroyed by fire. 2 Peter 3:10
- Pride and arrogance is inherent in every heart. Jeremiah 17:9
- Aggression will increase with escalating wars. Matthew 24:6
Apocalypse Shelter #1: Live for others
Ten days before Dad died, he told me I was the youngest son, and so my job is . . .
“Hold it together.” Claude Blaising
That means being centered every day.
Centered on what?
During my last visit, Dad and I watched the news.
Instead of complaining or moaning, he would casually ask . . .
- How’s Judy? (my wife)
- How’s Jack? (my son)
- How’s Lizzy? (my daughter)
- How’s Kate? (my daughter)
- How’s Trudy? (my mother-in-law)
- How’s that lake? (Lake Athens)
Just days before he died, Dad lived the way he always did.
Others centered.
Dad didn’t have to get ready. He lived ready.
Apocalypse Shelter #2: Live untied
Another way to free yourself from trauma is to stay untied from possessions.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6: 19-20
I have thought about this reference, “treasures in heaven,” many times.
People suffer more from possessiveness than they do pain or depression.
It’s the obsession of possessiveness that keeps folks from letting go.
The happiest people let go of their possessiveness early and often by giving.
Possessiveness and possessions are not the same thing.
But, since so many tie their identity to possessions, they never discover the great treasure of release. The treasure of giving. And that’s when you find the kingdom of heaven.
Apocalypse Shelter #3: Live authentically
Live the way you believe.
Death is not a threat when your actions line with your values because you stay ready for the next.
I’m convinced there are four ways to live consistently with your beliefs.
Four parts of a truly authentic life.
And if you keep these four in harmony, you will live a happy and satisfied life.
- Embrace beauty daily. It beckons you to God, the truth in the immortal realm.
- Serve your family in joy and mercy.
- Serve your community and beyond.
- Embrace simplicity and make it simpler after that.
What makes you whole in the middle of scary times?
Steve, your Dad was a man of great love and great wisdom. We miss him every day. Great post.
Wonderful sentiment Judy!
Very thought provoking Steve – Going to print it and contemplate – As always thank you for getting us to think and jarring us out of our comfort zones!
Thank you Jeff. Can you believe we are talking about nuclear war like the weather?