Becky Austin

The Foolish Heart

7:27 PM



Our reading: Psalm 53 & Acts 4:11-12


“The wise person is someone who believes in God and lives accordingly. The fool is someone who follows human wisdom over divine wisdom, and thus chooses the path of wickedness” (Sean McDowell)


“The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good. God looks down from heaven on the children of man to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.”  Psalm‬ ‭53‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭


Why do people deny God’s existence or authority? Because they want to be in control of their own lives and live without moral restraint. God calls these people fools. It’s easy to spot the openly evil, rebellious person who doesn’t care about others and chooses to use and exploit them for personal gain or pleasure. But, there is another fool….the one that decides to follow a moral pathway while still denying God. These seemingly charitable humans worship man and what man determines to be of moral value to society. This is known as humanism and it is a prevalent influence in all of our lives.  Sometimes there are even “religious humanists” who acknowledge God but downplay the role of God and emphasize the role of man in current society.


How do humanists define their belief system?

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good.– American Humanist Association


Yes, humanism has invaded politics, art, social media, books, magazines, and television.  Most of us are familiar, for example with the Star Trek series that came out in the 1960s and is still popular today. That series was written by a humanist. I imagine if you pay attention, you could easily spot popular books and shows that fit the humanistic view of life where man tries to aspire to great things perhaps, but without reverence or acknowledgement of his need for God or God’s morals and holiness.


Humanism, however,  is nothing new under the Sun. In fact, Billy Graham explains : “There is nothing new about humanism. It is the yielding to Satan’s first temptation of Adam and Eve: “Ye shall be as gods.”” (Gen 3:5)

And just like Adam and Eve, without God’s righteousness to atone for their sins, all of mankind is a slave to his own selfish desires. These desires may be paraded as goodness, but the heart of man without God’s divine help, will still be bent toward self glorification and sinful motives.  Man may think he can aspire to great things in his own efforts but he is a fool. Only God can be truly righteous, moral and just.

“Humanism was not wrong in thinking that truth,beauty,liberty, and equality are of infinite value, but in thinking that man can get them for himself without grace.” -Simone Weil


Reflection:

  1. Are you able to discern the negative impact of humanism on our culture and how it erases the need for God from society?
  2. Do you think that you personally tend to focus on the need for God in your daily pursuits, even your noble ones, or do you strive to do good in your own human efforts?


Prayer: Thank You Father for the wisdom of Your Word. Keep us aware of the foolish messages of society that try to take our focus off of you and put it on our own efforts and abilities. May we remain humble and aware that only through You can man accomplish anything righteous and honorable that has lasting, eternal value. May we rely on You and only You. May You grant us wisdom daily and bless our endeavors as we strive to bring glory and honor to You!


Becky Austin

Enduring to the End (Mark 13)

12:30 PM


Reading: Mark 13

There are many wonderful accomplishments of man to admire in this day. Just look around at all of the things that man can build. Tall skyscrapers, expansive bridges, beautifully ornate palaces and cathedrals.  During the virus crisis, I was impressed when hospitals were erected from nothing in a matter of a couple of weeks.  It’s  sometimes mind blowing what humans can design and manufacture. It’s ok to admire the talent and accomplishments of humans, but what we have to guard our hearts against, is what is known as humanism. 

What is humanism? The dictionary definition is: an outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, emphasize common human needs, and seek solely rational ways of solving human problems.  In other words, humans are of supreme importance and God is left out of the equation. If you observe, humanism is a popular part of our culture and society. 

Jesus warned us against becoming more attached to the secular world than the spiritual. He warned his disciples to place their hope, trust and security in the eternal, spiritual things that He represented vs the temporal beliefs and accomplishments of man  because nothing originating from man was going to stand the test of time. This included religious beliefs and practices created by man. 
“And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."” (V1-2)

Jesus emphasized that everything we are familiar with in this life that we can see, hear, touch, feel, taste, etc is fleeting and will not be forever. What we can cling to, however, that will never change or fade away, are His Words. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” (V 31)

When we cling to what cannot be taken from us and cannot be destroyed, we find an anchor that will help us to endure the trials and challenges of this life. By holding to what endures to the end, by embracing who endures to the end...we can remain faithful to the end because He helps us. We can not stand alone. We have to let Him strengthen and equip us. 
“And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.” (V11)
“And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (V13)

There are many deceptions, discouragements, enticements and distractions that Satan wants to use to sway our focus, our beliefs, and our allegiances. He wants to derail our time, our interests, and our passions. He will do anything to put us into sleep mode and put our focus on what is of this world. Even “good” causes, and endeavors can shift our focus to man and away from God’s will and purposes. That’s why Jesus warns us to stay alert, stay awake. 
“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, 
in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."” (V35-37)

Are you going to endure to the end? Are you going to focus more on what wins you the applause of man or God? Are you going to spend your time, resources, and talents on man’s glory or seek to glorify God? Are you going to attend to the voices of man and culture as they try to dictate your worth, identity and value or are you going to find your true value in being “ a child of God”?  Where do you find your wonder and awe? Is it in the grand accomplishments of man or the supernatural awe of the Creator of the Universe? For those who set their hopes on the eternal and endure to the end, the reward will be worth it all!
“And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.” (V26-27)