Above False Gods

The loudest voice I heard directing what path I should take after high school graduation was, “Go to college!” It echoed down the halls of each school I attended, by teachers, counselors, parents. It was the shining goal all students were to run towards; the natural procession of things; the next breath to take. One’s identity was embellished by what college or elite university had accepted that student into its hallowed halls. For those whose classroom grades, interests, finances or other factors lead them on a different path, the stampeding herd ran on past in pursuit of higher education. Higher, higher. The drive is deep in us humans to want more, to press on, to attain that fruit of more knowledge. And so to college I went.

When I look back now at that process, and how terribly immature I was to jump into life away from home, I am amazed. When I think of the experiences our own children encountered, the influences that shaped their attitudes and viewpoints, it makes me wonder how this path of education has become a false god in our world. Certainly if one learned only truth in our colleges that would be grand. But that is not the case, as much falsehood is raised on high, presented to open and impressionable minds. College campuses have become whirlpools of the human condition in the raw: truth, lies and sin abounding.

Somehow it seems we have replaced seeking God with seeking knowledge in philosophy, science, literature, mathematics, the arts, as more important than knowing the One who is far above it all. In my own experience God reached through my struggles towards me as I waded through pursuing knowledge, navigating social issues, and understanding my own desperate longings. Taught about Him throughout my years at home, I am so thankful I had heard of the Savior Jesus. I would not have survived without Him. As I observe the trials of our children, I wonder at the challenges our grandchildren will encounter in a world that in so many ways blatantly disdains and denies God. Not only now, but for life to come. In all the shouting voices that claim to be the ultimate truth, will they hear His everlasting, unchanging, highest voice? His still small voice?

In this present day science has raised its banner as the way of truth, endeavoring to combat Biblical claims of God’s reality. I am heartened to find groups such as Reasons To Believe, highly educated scientists who prove the existence of God through science, who show His evidence throughout His creation in scientific speak. Others, too, are showing to a world bent on worshiping false gods of education, science, philosophy, culture, government, religion, or any other worldly pursuit, that higher still is the person of God.

There indeed is a great struggle going on in this world. When I consider the realities of life on this planet, the truths of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit could not be more clear or plain. For only in God’s Word have I found ultimate Truth: what this existence is all about, how I am to live and navigate through it, and how, finally, I will be able to enter into life to come. All other knowledge, while interesting and useful in understanding things of this world, is but of the earth. Used for God’s purposes and with His wisdom, that knowledge becomes fruitful in ways far beyond human abilities alone. As I reach up to know the person of God, not just the idea of Him, I find His hand, His presence, already reaching for me. He bids each of us to come to Him, to walk with Him through this journey. He is trustworthy, He is true, He is alive! And He is just waiting for us to come to Him.

Jeremiah 10: 23-24 (NKJV) states: 23 O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself;
It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
24 O Lord, correct me, but with justice;
Not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing.

Jesus states in Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV): 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”