...wisdom...

Have you ever really thought about the ideology which permeates virtually every aspect of contemporary society, is endorsed by and advanced through the news media, entertainment, advertising, governments, and even our educational systems since the 1960s? Secular humanism is a driving force that affects everyone, no matter what level of society, what age, or what nationality.

Since Adam and Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, human beings 'go-to' has been to defy God and rely on our own intellect in our attempt to understand the nature of this world while searching for truth and meaningful existence. The moment we allow human-derived ideologies to guide us instead of the Bible, we begin to function as a secular humanist. Our first response to those who would guide us spiritually should always be, “Show me where God's Word states that.”

By denying the existence of anything that isn't made up of physical matter or proven by scientific inquiry and alleging that the physical world is all there is or ever will be, the secular humanist's conclusion is that their only purpose for living is to live their life for the most enjoyment possible, no matter what. According to them, there is no absolute moral code that must be followed, but only the freedom to make their own rules for living as they wish. Ethics and morality are self-governing and situational, with no accountability to God. Therefore, absolute standards for human conduct do not exist.

If we as Christians are not watchful, our actions can start to resemble that of a secular humanist. Because of our God-given freedom of will, our natural mind, and the constant input of the culture around us, it is natural for us to take on behavior and habits that reflect what the society around us endorses. Even strong, Godly Christians are susceptible to reflecting more of a human focused approach to life in place of one focused on God and His Word. The key is to guard godly habits.

Not making time for God in our insanely busy lives is probably the most glaring forerunner for allowing godly habits to slip. In Matthew 13:22, Jesus tells us in the parable of the sower. When we receive the seeds among the thorns – plowed land that is not properly cleared and seeded – the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches can easily choke out the word of God. The result is to be left without fruit and barren. We must give constant care to the soil of our soul by saturating ourselves in God's Word, building that strong relationship to guard against the almost imperceptible choking out of the Word and eventual acceptance of secular humanism.

By neglecting our relationship with God, we are susceptible to allowing the endorsement of human secularism to creep into our lives. Some might allow the barrage of ungodly entertainment into their life with all of its crude abominations that are so offensive to God. We likely will blatantly disregard God's desire and power to help us in our trials (Philippians 4:6). When we leave Him out of the picture and behave as if we have to face life alone, we also disregard His sacrifice for us. Instead of admitting our failings, repenting of our sins and accepting the correction of a loving God we begin to once again justify our shortcomings, relying on human reasoning and gut instincts instead of the direction of the Bible. Engaging in this kind of human reasoning, we are neither functioning as a Christian, nor honoring God with our life. James 1:22 admonishes us to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only by following biblical standards. This is the only way we will have real peace in our lives, grow in Christ, be a light to the darkness around us, and truly please God.

The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and without strife or envying. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds, shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17