The wonders of creation are to be a pointer to the Creator. Humanity has frequently failed to see the meaning of beauty. The ancients worshiped deities that in many ways simply represented the forces within the natural realm. Although we are not likely to bow down to an idol, materialism means we often adore the gifts and not the Giver. Paul says that greed is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Here’s a great line reflecting on the idolatry of the past.
If through delight in the beauty of these things people assumed them to be gods, let them know how much better than these is their Lord, for the author of beauty created them. (Wisdom of Solomon 13:3, NRSV)*
*BTW, I don’t believe that the Old Testament Apocrypha (what others call the Deuterocanonical books) is inspired by God. But the above is still a great line.
while today 