The movie "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" got me thinking. Ben Stein stars in this Michael Moore kind of documentary. I found the ninety minutes in the theater provoking. Sure, I thought about the science and the prejudices discussed, but I left thinking about life's crucial expulsion. Many people have expelled God from their life. The testimony from the evolutionary scientists themselves in the film made the connection between embracing the evolutionary matrix and dis-embracing notions about God.

Surely there are a number of scientists who both embrace evolutionary science and faith in God. But not all of them do so maintaining a high view of the scriptures. I believe that species evolved within their own kind with adaptations over time. Individual species changed. In this micro sense (micro-evolution), I believe in adaptations within specie. I just do not find compelling notions of macro-evolution where one specie evolves into a higher form of life resulting in a new specie altogether. The fossil record lacks those transitional forms between species. Show me the transitional forms? Harvard's Stephen Jay Gould said once that what happened was that forms developed in evolution to a point where a quantum leap forward in transition was needed. At that point in evolutionary history they simply, with Elvis, left the building...earth's fossil record building. We do not have those forms, but these transitions took place...we are told. And who said brilliant scientists are men without faith?

But this is more than just a petty science argument; it is one with great implications and eternal consequence. Expelling God from your life is a weighty matter. Creation and life are as stunning as they are mysterious. Who can unravel the notion that "something came from nothing"? Even those most recognized for scientific prowess cannot prove their theory of origins...anymore than I can prove through reason and science that God created everything that is through the Word of His mouth. But I can herald what is affirmed and revealed, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" Genesis 1:1.

Going through school it was always the principal who carried out the expulsion orders. Looking back, I cannot remember an illegitimate expulsion, which is a good commentary on their judgment. He would levy the sentence and they would be gone. Then, they were let back in...whether he wanted them back or not. I cannot remember an expulsion that permanently barred a student from returning.

I wonder if principals have ever been quick to the trigger of expulsion and then went home and pondered it and entertained a measure of regret about the expulsion. Who of us would not like some judgments back for a second look? Many have expelled God from their life. The action stems from a hundred reasons and more. Their exposure to hypocrisy, nagging guilt, an arrogant heart and more have come together to bring about His expulsion. The movie made me think of kids who have grown up and without ever exploring the scriptures-able to make us wise unto salvation which is in Christ Jesus-they have dismissed God in biology class. He was simply expelled. Many have wanted to over time, but I know of no circumstance where a student expelled the principal. The hierarchy just was not set up that way. He or she was in authority over us in school. The Bible says, "He that comes to God must believe that He is, and believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" Hebrews 11:6.

The irony of this expulsion is that though we expel Him out of our life, He is the very one who sustains our existence ("It is in Him that we live and move and have our very being" Acts 17:28). And He always stands ready, while we live, to be recognized again as the Lord of life, Creator and Savior. His grace toward us and love for us move Him to wait for us to re-open our lives to Him, who not only created us, but who loved us and gave Himself for us at Calvary.

Some expulsions are remembered for a long time and some pass from view and are scarcely thought of again. To expel God for whatever reason is to set oneself up for mulling over that decision forever...apart from Him. The flip side is full of delight. Forever the redeemed will ponder the joys of welcoming our Creator into our lives. With Adam we pushed Him away and expelled Him. With Adam we find the post-expelling God world less than paradise. Through Jesus, our enfleshed Creator, the passage back to Eden is secured (John 14:6). God relishes ending long dynasties of God-expulsions in our lives! The end of God-expulsions brings us to the delightful beginning of the adventure of knowing and worshiping the very One who made us and sustains our very existence.