New Reminders: Human Nature

Some of us have paused to wonder why God, who has infinite wisdom, didn’t do a better job of creating human beings.  Why didn’t He give us the capacity to think and act rationally at all times?  Why did He allow us to make fools of ourselves and do stupid stuff way too often?

French novelist Gustave Flaubert (1821-1880) was born two centuries ago, and his insight seems prophetic for today: “The earth has its boundaries, but human stupidity is infinite.”  Reader’s Digest, July 2019, p.22.  Stupid, is the opposite of intelligent.  Stupidity is responsible for many acts that follow the words, “Hey, watch this!”  Being stupid has to do with not understanding things, not learning from past experiences, and generally not using your brain.

Although ignorance and stupidity are often used in similar ways, they have different nuances.  Ignorance is simply the lack of knowledge, either in general or about a specific issue or topic.  Stupidity refers to not using an ordinary level of intelligence, wit, or quickness of mind.

Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  This says that God created us in His image.  This passage does not mean that God is in human form, but rather, that humans are in the image of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature.  So then, shouldn’t we be able to know right from wrong and always act with dignity and grace and use good judgment in every situation? 

The truth is, that God did give us the ability to act appropriately.  The trouble is that He also gave us the ability to choose.  Over the centuries, human beings have strayed from God’s intended use of the abilities He gave us.  We have developed the bad habit of not using our God-given intellect and moral compass to do what we know we should do.  This is why Jesus came to show us the way.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”  Everything that you are looking for can be found in Him.  All of your questions can be answered by Him.  Don't look to the world for the answers you seek.  Jesus showed us, by His example, to turn to God in prayer for guidance.  Give your life to Him and consider His will before proceeding and He will lead you.

Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  These words emphasize the importance of recognizing God's presence and seeking His guidance in every area of our lives.  When we acknowledge Him as the ultimate authority and trust His leading, He faithfully directs our paths.