Defining a civilization

What is the definition of a civilization?  What are the characteristics of civilized countries?

At first I thought I could rattle off the answers.  Then.....  When you stop to really think about things, it is never as simple as you originally think.  Sometimes definitions can really be from a perspective.  What does it mean to be civilized?

The most common answers involve developing tools and progressing in the areas of science, math, and the arts.  But is that all a civilized culture is?  They have to achieve great things that last for centuries?  Or does it go much deeper than that?

History can define a civilization as one that has created a sense of unity among its members, create forms of art, and had a developed sense of government.  Many others might show development in humanitarian efforts and agricultural areas.  But in today's world does that still fit the definition of a civilization?

That is something to be considered.  We sometimes call people civilized or uncivilized.  These same people fit the definition of civilization, yet we might call them "uncivilized".  Does having a government, art, and a structured society mean that the civilization is civilized or are they in reality the barbarians that they condemn?

A civilization is a group of people with a common purpose and goal.  Does that mean the countries of today are not civilized civilizations?

Why should the doctrine of predestination never be used as an excuse not to evangelize?

This is a good question because some people will use predestination doctrine as an excuse to not spread the Word.  But we cannot use any doctrine as the litmus test on our actions.  The Bible has to be the only one.

What happens if we do use predestination as an excuse not to evangelize?  First and foremost, we are disobedient to God.  Before Jesus physically left the earth, He gave a command to ALL who follow Him.  He did not say that only a select few were to do this.  He did not say that we could sit on our rears because the work was already done. 

What do we get out of evangelizing?  One, we are obedient.  Two, we grow.  When we are humble enough to submit to God's authority, we are learn new dimensions of ourselves.  We learn more about human nature and we learn how far we can really go. 

We do not know who is "predestined".  We do not know what is in anyone's heart.  There are people who are yearning for God and need someone to be there for them to explain it.  The Ethiopian eunuch was needing Philip to explain the scriptures.  If Philip thought, "I do not need to say anything.  God already has it worked out.", then Philip would have missed being a tool and being a part of something so wonderful.  We never know what is before us or around the next corner.  When we can be submissive and willing to be used the way He needs us, we are blessed and get to experience so much more.