J.A. Matteson
The idolatry of humanism knows many faces. The grace of God is revealed through natural endowments and His providence. Take heed that your trust does not subtly shift to the gifts from the Giver of the gifts, transforming that which is a blessing into a snare. "Thus says the LORD, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of His might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me...." (Jer. 9:23-24). The person with a high intellectual capacity may convince himself that it is his wisdom that has resulted in success. The powerful through position or physical might may take pride in his lot. The wealthy may revel that his riches were the seed to still further abundance. Fools, all of them. What does any man have that he has not received from the LORD? The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. If the LORD grants a season of plenty, give thanks, for it is He who gives one the ability to prosper. If the LORD should lead you to the barren plains of want, give thanks, for you have not received that which all men deserve by the hand of a just and holy God. All that a man has, whether by natural endowment or providential blessing, is a gift of God. Let the pilgrim of the LORD make Him his trust with thanksgiving and praise.
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