Reason
by David Cross
Reason is a God-given human ability to evaluate the meaning, and seek the well-being, of our lives. God wants us, as He has spoken through Isaiah, to consider such things always in the light of His word and His truth about our lives.
If we decide that man`s ability to reason by himself is the ultimate source of wisdom, we have stepped into the realm of humanism, which is idolatry and rebellion against God. During the French Revolution, some of the leaders even proposed a new cult for the worship of Reason, intending it to replace the often discredited Christian practices of the day. This cult may have died out in name but not in practice. Biblical truth, acknowledged for thousands of years, is now daily being set aside by governments around the world in favour of a distorted truth, based simply on man’s reason. How effective this is in giving destructive licence to the spiritual ruler of the world!
God has given mankind an extraordinary intellect, with some individuals experiencing exceptional gifting. However, if we fail to come to the same conclusion as Job, namely that we cannot fully fathom the wisdom of God, we are very vulnerable indeed to all the spiritual damage that can result from the grip of pride.
Job 42:1-6 - Then Job answered the LORD. “I know, LORD, that you are all-powerful; that you can do everything you want. You ask how I dare question your wisdom when I am so very ignorant. I talked about things I did not understand, about marvels too great for me to know. You told me to listen while you spoke and to try to answer your questions. In the past I knew only what others had told me, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes.” GNB
Prayer: Father, I agree with these observations of Job. Amen.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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