For the past two weeks, at least, the Lord has been really highlighting to me something called humanism. It's a spirit, I've learned, and we see it everywhere in the world today. There are just so many good, non-Christian people! They may be educaters, benefit public awareness, work in hospitals, or teach as nice events. And they just may be under the influence of the spirit of humanism.
Jesus came to give salvation and abundant life to us. He came to redeem fallen humanity. But humanism is something else entirely. Humanism leaves no room and no credit for the work of God. Humanism is dangerous--as I'll describe later, it's spirit is closely tied to antichrist. For now, though, let's look at a few common beliefs propagated by those under it's influence. Some may seem innocent enough...but they are all inherently wrong because they do not acknowledge or give glory to God. The humanism spirit:
--Champions the rights of all
--"Loves" and empowers people
--Teaches unity, peace, and acceptance
--Has no absolute truths, believe whatever makes you feel happy
--Encourages people to be overcomers
--Encourages people to be successful and achieve their dreams
--Advocates self improvement, self help, and self control
--Advocates self-love
--Produces a lying version of the fruit of our Holy Spirit
Now some of these things sound good, and that's because they are! They can be, if God is at the center. It's conditional. It's subtle. It's so important to know that this spirit only produces corrupt versions of God's gifts. Because God first thought of giving us dreams to achieve. God first thought of giving us passions. God first thought of allowing us to overcome--through His son, Jesus!
And that's where this spirit of humanism goes wrong. It doesn't acknowledge Jesus! It's not for Him--its against Him (Matthew 12:30). It may preach a false Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4) of universal love and good vibes. But it does not accept the true Jesus at savior. That's the problem--humanism glorifies people as gifted, dedicated, and elevated enough to save themselves!
As the list above shows, humanism has a false version of everything. It's perverted the concept of going after one's dreams. It's perverted the concept of things like human equality and human rights. It's perverted the Christ-based concept of being an overcomer. The spirit of humanism has a form of godliness, but totally denies it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). It improves the lives of people while on this earth so that they never have to turn to Jesus in the end.
I would never want to tell a non-believer that they're an overcomer. I would generally not even say, "you can do this!" to them unless it was part of a larger ministry tactic. I would definitely not encourage a non-christian to pursue their dreams. I can't leave it at that! At least not without telling them to seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
I can't be for a person on their own effort. I can't encourage them to just make themselves a better person. I can't glory in their flesh (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). I won't yield to the humanism spirit, no matter how good it might feel. I need to point to Christ.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
Jesus came to give salvation and abundant life to us. He came to redeem fallen humanity. But humanism is something else entirely. Humanism leaves no room and no credit for the work of God. Humanism is dangerous--as I'll describe later, it's spirit is closely tied to antichrist. For now, though, let's look at a few common beliefs propagated by those under it's influence. Some may seem innocent enough...but they are all inherently wrong because they do not acknowledge or give glory to God. The humanism spirit:
--Champions the rights of all
--"Loves" and empowers people
--Teaches unity, peace, and acceptance
--Has no absolute truths, believe whatever makes you feel happy
--Encourages people to be overcomers
--Encourages people to be successful and achieve their dreams
--Advocates self improvement, self help, and self control
--Advocates self-love
--Produces a lying version of the fruit of our Holy Spirit
Now some of these things sound good, and that's because they are! They can be, if God is at the center. It's conditional. It's subtle. It's so important to know that this spirit only produces corrupt versions of God's gifts. Because God first thought of giving us dreams to achieve. God first thought of giving us passions. God first thought of allowing us to overcome--through His son, Jesus!
And that's where this spirit of humanism goes wrong. It doesn't acknowledge Jesus! It's not for Him--its against Him (Matthew 12:30). It may preach a false Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4) of universal love and good vibes. But it does not accept the true Jesus at savior. That's the problem--humanism glorifies people as gifted, dedicated, and elevated enough to save themselves!
As the list above shows, humanism has a false version of everything. It's perverted the concept of going after one's dreams. It's perverted the concept of things like human equality and human rights. It's perverted the Christ-based concept of being an overcomer. The spirit of humanism has a form of godliness, but totally denies it's power (2 Timothy 3:5). It improves the lives of people while on this earth so that they never have to turn to Jesus in the end.
I would never want to tell a non-believer that they're an overcomer. I would generally not even say, "you can do this!" to them unless it was part of a larger ministry tactic. I would definitely not encourage a non-christian to pursue their dreams. I can't leave it at that! At least not without telling them to seek first His Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
I can't be for a person on their own effort. I can't encourage them to just make themselves a better person. I can't glory in their flesh (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). I won't yield to the humanism spirit, no matter how good it might feel. I need to point to Christ.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
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