Science Illustration: Truth-Seeking and Integrity in Research

A few years ago, I had the privilege of attending a science fair where young minds presented their innovative projects. One particular exhibit caught my attention: a group of high school students had built a miniature ecosystem in a clear, sealed glass container. They had painstakingly crafted the environment, selecting plants, soil, and even small creatures to live within this self-sustaining habitat. As I peered into that glass world, I was struck by the delicate balance maintained within. Each element depended on the others—plants generated oxygen, while tiny creatures produced waste that nourished the soil. It was a beautiful reminder of interdependence.

As I watched, a mentor approached the students and asked them about their research process. They shared that they had initially experimented with various combinations, but some of their early attempts had failed. They explained how, in seeking the truth of what made this ecosystem thrive, they had to face their own missteps. Yet, through each failure, they learned and grew—often adjusting their methods based on what the environment revealed to them.

This mirrors the message from Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus invites us to trust in God’s provision. Just as those students learned to care for their ecosystem, we are called to nurture our spiritual lives, trusting that God will guide us toward purpose. In the midst of uncertainty, we can find hope in the truth that, like the ecosystem, our lives are intricately woven together in God’s loving design. When we seek Him first, everything else will find its place.