Global Issues
Man: The Venom & Vanity of His Help -By Mathew Adebisi
In same vein, there are several serpents in man’s clothing living at every nook and cranny of the earth today; and it would only take the leading of the Holyspirit to identify such persons who may be closer than we ever can imagine, wanting to enslave and mortgage our life, our future, and our destiny in disguise of a rendered or proposed assistance.
Have you ever pondered on the scriptures as revealed in Psalm 60:11? It is one of the many powerful verses in the scriptures, pointing out clearly, that the help of man, a mere mortal being, is absolutely vain. Meanwhile, for clarity of this narrative, it is very important to unravel the possible underlying reasons for the scripture above, in relation to the origin and nature of man. Let’s do a comparative analysis of human origin from the perspective of science and scriptures.
According to science, human beings are primates classified in the genus Homo, with specifics on the species known as Homo sapiens. As such, in line with the scientific structure of anatomy, humans are related to the great apes, but slightly distinguished by the presence of a brain structure which facilitates articulate speech and abstract reasoning, thereby being referred to as ‘higher animals’.
On the contrary, according to story of creation in the scriptures, as reported in Genesis 1:26-30, God created man in his own image, and gave him dominion over the fish in the sea, the fowl in the air, the beast of the earth, and over every other living things that moveth upon the surface of the earth, which can be categorized altogether as ‘Lower animals’. In other words, can we deduce from the merging of science and scriptures that the higher animal (man) was created to dominate over the lower animals as described in the scriptures?. The answer to this question is not the bone of contention of this narrative; however, something comes to mind in Genesis 6:6, where God expressed deep regrets for creating man; and this confirms the animalistic traits and tendencies of man orchestrated by his adamic nature which is characterized by uncertainties and sheer wickedness after creation.
If God was deeply grieved that He made man on earth, then, it is complete folly to rely or look up on any mortal man for anything – whether promises of help or anything whatsoever. This is the one of the major reasons why God placed a curse on anyone who trusts in his fellow man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord – Jeremiah 17:5. We are also enjoined, according to Psalm 118:18, that it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in man. God is omniscience (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), omnipresent, omnibenovolence (perfectly-good). He is the creator of all creations, He is infinite, He is a spirit-being that rules in the affairs of men – the anchor of our soul (Hebrews 6:19, Psalm 39:7).
Looking up to a common man for help is like walking on spiderweb or transversing the deep blue sea on a horse back, both of which are sure pathways to doom because an average human being is unreliable, self-centered, full of pride and harbors hidden motives behind every favour or help rendered to the second party – a disposition referred to as ‘dissmimilative phenomenon’. This disposition is highly venomous, and kills faster than the venom of a snake. It is therefore, very important to think twice, and thoroughly seek the face of God in order to escape the snares of a man’s dicey help which in most cases, comes with destructive conditions, huge pay-back price and regrettable future outcomes.
Finally, as the saying goes, ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’. We should not give-in to glittery appearances and persuasions in form of flattery, pseudo promises and unrealistic hopes. Eve was deceived by the serpent in disguise of help according to Gen 3:1-15. In same vein, there are several serpents in man’s clothing living at every nook and cranny of the earth today; and it would only take the leading of the Holyspirit to identify such persons who may be closer than we ever can imagine, wanting to enslave and mortgage our life, our future, and our destiny in disguise of a rendered or proposed assistance. We should henceforth beware, maintain a high-level of spiritual sensitivity at all times, and cast our absolute trust in God – The Genuine Helper and Lifter of Men.
Mathew Adebisi writes from FCT, Abuja. For more information, please write madewal52@gmail.com
