Like one of many sports fans, we
often stand in awe of the talent these athletes have. The NFL Superbowl just
took place and next month is the NCAA’s March Madness. Let me ask this question. Do you think we ever exalt these amazing
athletes beyond what is reasonable? Let
me as another. Do we do this in other
areas too? Where a person has a special
talent or is in a great position of influence and power, do we at times hold
them up too high?
When the burdens of life weigh on
us, by instinct we look around for a type of savior to give us the help, relief
or answers we seek.
We look to the athlete, musician or
movie actor to give us hope and moments of joy.
We look to the doctor to cure our
sickness or disease.
We look to a political leader to
give us national peace and prosperity.
We look to the business person to
give us a job and income.
We look to the preacher to give our
life comfort, meaning and direction.
What are we doing? We are exalting mankind above God. We trust in the person and their abilities to
help us, rather than God. We thank and
celebrate the person for what they have done, rather than God. Do we somehow think God does not see this and
will not take it to account?
People in these roles have worked
hard, been blessed by God with special talents, but in the end, are just
people. They are not infallible machines
or products, but human beings like the rest of us. When we place our trust in them, we will
eventually find our team will lose, the movie will end, the doctor will not
find a cure, the politician will fail us, the business will lay us off and the
preacher will disappoint us. No human,
no matter how gifted they are can give us what we ultimately seek.
It is good to learn from others, to
enjoy and celebrate their abilities, but when we begin looking to people for
the things we ought to look toward God for, we cross a dangerous line. It is written in the Scriptures, “For the
wisdom of this world is folly with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Furthermore, “. . . let no one boast in men”
(3:21).
The Scriptures teach us that God is
the only source of true hope. He is our
ultimate Healer. He is our
Defender. He is our Provider. He is the giver of life. No man, woman, team, program, weapon, set of ideals,
principles, systems can be an adequate savior for the burdens we bear and the
wrongs we have done. It is foolish to
think otherwise.
There is only one Savior. He created each of us with our unique
talents, and one day all humanity will kneel side by side before the Great
Savior and Judge, who is the King of Kings.
Who are you trusting in for the
things in this life and the next? Are
you trusting in yourself or in others? I
urge you to trust in the one above all – Jesus.
A prayer for you - “Lord
God, examine our hearts to see if we have lifted anyone in our lives above
you. Show us if we are trusting in
another, for what we ought to be trusting in You for. Jesus, come and be my one and only Savior and
Lord. Help me to turn from my ways and
to You with all my heart. In Jesus’
name. Amen.”
