When we read in the Bible about false gods, we picture weird-looking statues in a strange temple filled with crazed, demon-possessed fanatics. False gods don't necessarily have anything to do with statues, temples, or foreign cultures. For example, secular humanism is a religion that bows down before the god of self. There is no emphasis on statues or temples. The people involved in this religion do not appear primitive, but sophisticated.
Secular humanism adores a variety of gods: the gods of sex, pleasure, money, lifestyle, military or political power, scientific technology, capitalism, and communism. Some secular humanists are atheists, while others acknowledge the existence of the true God. Nevertheless, for practical purposes, all secular humanists put man first and therefore put man in the place of God.
It's so easy to get involved in the cult of secular humanism. If we get caught up in it, we will go the way of all who worship false gods. We will be manipulated by Satan, become as perverse and empty as the gods we worship (Ps 115:8), and perish. The Lord is patient and merciful (see Ps 103:8). He's giving us a chance to repent and get the plank out of our eyes (Mt 7:5). However, we have already missed countless opportunities to repent. Time eventually runs out. Repent now (see Mk 1:15).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I repent of idolatry and being involved with the cult of secular humanism. I give my life to You and acknowledge You as Lord and God. |
| PROMISE: | "Your verdict on others will be the verdict passed on you. The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you." –Mt 7:2 |
| PRAISE: | "For lowly people You save but haughty eyes You bring low; You indeed, O Lord, give light to my lamp; O my God, You brighten the darkness about me" (Ps 18:28-29). |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College