Christians Can Trust God for All That's Needed

Government, Medicine, Science and Technology Can't Take God's Place

Apr 25, 2009

Although modern God-followers don't worship idols, they often look for practical answers when they have needs rather than to the God who creates and sustains.

The prophet Isaiah warned his fellow citizens against idolatry and condemned them for relying on the military superpowers of their day for protection.

Twenty-first century believers rarely worship idols as described in Isaiah's time, but many rely on medicine, science, money and the government to provide safety, security and health.

"All our failures to trust God wholly or to live rightly are at root idolatry -- something we make more important than God," writes Dr. Timothy Keller, pastor of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He teaches that idolatry is making anything – even good things – in life more important than God.

Medicine Will Keep People Alive Longer

According to the CDC's National Vital Statistics Report, in the past three decades, advances in medicine have lengthened the average American's lifespan by six years. Statistics and analysis from scientific studies have given us hundreds of suggestions on how to improve the quality of life: breast feed babies, exercise regularly, drink a glass of wine – but not more than three – each day, own a pet, eat organically-grown foods and take vacations.

When traditional medicine doesn’t meet a person’s expectations, there’s a variety of alternative medicines that offer more choices than an ice cream parlor. The marketing of health supplements is a booming business that keeps expanding even in tough times. It’s easy to believe the advertising, just take a pill or apply some lotion and the promised miracle is on its way.

In the book of Isaiah, the King of Judah is held up as an example of the "right way" to face illness, even when the illness is divinely ordained. “Thus saith the Lord, 'Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.' Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed unto the Lord.” (Isaiah 38:1-2) Isaiah goes on to say that from that prayer, God granted Hezekiah another fifteen years of life!

Seven hundred years after Isaiah, Jesus’ popularity was partially a response to his ability to heal the sick and he didn’t differentiate between those needing to have demons cast out and those who required his healing touch for physical ailments.

Science and Technology Can Provide Everything Needed to Make Life Great

Computers and the Internet, cell phones, ATM machines – many technological advances have changed life in just one generation. From weather reports to the newest scientific breakthroughs, people – including Christians – look to technology for solutions to common problems.

Need help with a sickly lawn or too many snails? Sprinkle the right chemical to increase growth or kill pests. Need to research a school paper or study something for work? Find hundreds of answers surfing the Internet, then create a multi-media presentation showing your findings.

Investments, Savings and as a Last Resort, Uncle Sam, May Provide Funds Sufficient for Living Well

Whether the problem is high prices at the pump, a crashing stock market, or mismanaged investment firms, many people rely on their savings or home equity for assistance when cash flow becomes tight. However recent economic conditions have shown how dependence on financial institutions is not a sure thing. Banks, insurance companies and investment brokers are all subject to failing.

The Biblical response in good times and bad is to rely on God. Christians believe no one but God is worthy of absolute trust.

Laws Protect Freedoms and Provide for Consequences of Bad Behavior

Government, from military might to local police, has become the “savior” of many people. In some countries, the government provides nearly everything needed from cradle to grave. In other countries it is common for people to expect – even demand – governmental assistance rather than look heavenward when they are hard-pressed by the stresses of modern life.

During troubled times, Israel and Judah often looked for help from alliances with larger countries like Samaria, Egypt, or Assyria. (Isaiah 31) Many religious individuals believe this displeased God because then, like today, the Almighty wanted to provide everything needed by those who called themselves believers.

Christians believe that when they are faced with difficulties, it is an opportunity to rely on God. There may be many ways God can provide answers, but trusting God for guidance and then waiting for that provision is easy to say, difficult to do.

Faithfully and patiently looking heavenward rather than to others is what God expects of believers, according to Isaiah 30:18. Christians believe that each person has a choice: to wait patiently for God to provide or, like the people thousands of years ago, to frantically look for help from other sources.

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