Monday, November 09, 2009

Is Faith a Crutch?

Philippians 4:13

Skeptics argue that religion is for the weak--a crutch to prop up the sick and feeble-minded. My response to them may surprise you. I agree with them.

In my experience, those who are agnostics and humanists have a "can do" attitude about life. They say things like what Paul Kurtz says in the Humanist Manifesto II, "No deity will save us. We must save ourselves." That sounds noble and responsible to many people. Christians believe in personal responsibility too. The difference is, we believe that human nature is marred and in need of an overhaul. Take a look around, or take a look inside. At any given moment we can alternate between blessing others and cursing others.  In this way we are all weak.

So, when a very capable man like the Apostle Paul declares that "[he] can do all things through the strength of Christ," I know what he's talking about. Human nature is not something we can overcome ourselves.  It would be wonderful if when we became believers God eradicated the human nature in us. But, he instead chose to plant a new nature within us. It resides side-by-side with the old nature and there is a battle for the control of each of our wills. This is why we see such varying degrees of goodness in Christians. Some have let the human nature override the new nature.

Contentment, righteousness, faithfulness, peace, joy, patience, goodness, and kindness are products of God's work in a life.  If you find yourself frustrated by a lack of personal development, don't get angry. Take it to God. Work hard at relying on the strength he alone can provide. He can do in you what you are too weak to do.

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