Man, in all his worldly wisdom, is condemned to return unto the dust after a brief and transient existence (Gen. 3:19). Without the understanding that comes only from God, man is like the beasts that perish (Psa. 49:12) and is by nature rebellious to the things of God (Eph. 2:2-3). But in mind, man is capable of being elevated to the level of the angels. We are told, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26). That likeness is achieved through the diligent application to the word of God daily so that figuratively, we “put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge” (Col. 3:10). It is an honor and a glorious privilege to obtain to, but sadly, it is neglected by most. Men would rather love darkness (John 3:19) than let “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God” shine in their hearts (2 Cor. 4:6).
Wasted potential
Men have great potential, but so often they channel energy into vanity and things which are of no profit. They invest large sums of money and time into so-called noble causes, but to what avail? They run to and fro, as if searching for something which can’t be found. They heap to themselves treasures, silver and gold, but they never have enough. Satisfaction is illusive, and temporary at best. They behave as if their silver and gold will be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord’s wrath (Zeph. 1:18; Prov. 11:4) — for they trust in their wealth and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches (Psa. 49:6). The words of Solomon ring true today, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12).
Self-reliance fatal
How come? Man lacks vision and foresight and often relies on instinct. Man by nature leans upon his own understanding and trusts in his own heart. He is motivated by “the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). The man of such disposition realizes not that his “heart is evil from his youth” (Gen. 8:21), nor “deceitful above all, and desperately sick” (Jer. 17:9). Men having this mind are “enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). “They have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations” (Isa. 66:3). Because they have not received the love of the truth, God has sent them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie (1 Thess. 2:1). Therefore, their lives are spent “fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind” and are “by nature, the children of wrath” (Eph. 2:3).
Let us be different
Let us therefore, contrary to our nature, be transformed into a new creature which is born from above by the incorruptible word of God (1 Peter 1:23). There is no calling that is higher, more honorable and exalted than the one from God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14). Such a calling demands that we live “no longer” after the lusts of men but to the will of God (1 Peter 4:2). May our wisdom be from above that we “lie not against the truth” (James 3:14) for flesh is corrupt by nature and does not receive the things of the Spirit of God readily (1 Cor. 2:14). Let us also examine ourselves, proving whether we be in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). That in so doing, we may be counted among the wise that “shall shine as the brightness of the firmament” and “as the stars for ever and ever” (Dan. 12:3).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One