We live with the illusion we can solve problems. If there is a major storm, we think we can control its impact. If there is a deadly disease we think we can cure it. If there is hunger we think we can satisfy it. If there is an unwanted child we can destroy him. If we want sex, we believe should have it in any fashion we desire. If there are wars, we believe we can avoid them. Don’t misunderstand! We must do whatever is possible to help others. Indeed that is our calling. But to think we can do these things by ourselves, without God, writing our own rules as we go, is nothing but arrogance and stupidity.
Even so, the lies of the world around us are believed.
One writer, Daniel Boorstin, in 1962, realized our country was becoming delusional with its own success. His words were stunningly prophetic:
“In this book I describe the world of our making, how we have used our wealth, our literacy, our technology, and our progress, to create the thicket of unreality which stands between us and the facts of life. I recount historical forces which have given us this unprecedented opportunity to deceive ourselves and to befog our experience.
Of course, America has provided the landscape and has given us the resources and the opportunity for this feat of national self-hypnosis. But each of us individually provides the market and demand for the illusions which flood our experience. We want and we believe these illusions because we suffer from extravagant expectations. We expect too much of the world.”
From The Image by Daniel Boorstin.
Dr. Boorstin was correct. Though not a Christian, his observations are on target.
We expect too much of the world because we love the world too much. We look for the world to do for us what only God can do. The enemy could not be more pleased. Do not allow yourself and your children to be taken in by the myth of self-sufficiency and cruel delusion of self-hypnosis.
15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
I John 2:15-17.