There is a tendency in man to disregard God’s government in preference for personal autonomy (auto–self; nomos, rule). He wants to rule himself–without interruptions. Illustrations of the fact are numerous. You see them everywhere, on bumper stickers, in magazines and newspapers, everywhere. Perhaps the most all-inclusive statement of it is seen in this generation’s proclivity to “do your own thing,” or “it’s my life, I can handle it!”
Jeremiah sounded the warning. so did Solomon. Jeremiah said, “…it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah. 10:23); Solomon said, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Man seems driven to plot his own course, choose his own way to happiness. But in promoting such a scheme he only brings about frustration, for such an adventure is doomed to failure. Its futility is described by the wise man as a “vexation of spirit.” Literally, it is like trying to catch a handful of the wind (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Personal management is foolish and doomed for failure.
No matter how it “seemeth right,” there can be no benefit to such a nonsensical fantasy which supposes that one can live life without restraints, impositions, or requirements. Just because a thing feels comfortable, even enjoyable, does not argue that it is moral. Revenge undoubtedly feels good to some folks, but it is not moral. Illicit sexual conduct produces sensations that recommend it to those who are disposed merely to satisfy their animal lusts, but it is still wrong, still sinful. And success at all costs to some may feel good, no matter what action-is required to make it come about, but it remains sinful. Personal management is ultimately a poor choice.
The tendency toward self-rule causes men to rebel against the authority of God. Humanism, with its various tentacles, seeks to explain the existence of man without including God, so out comes evolution. Secularism says all truth is relative, that no such thing as absolute truth even exists, so out comes situation ethics. The pious religionist explains the nature of God only in terms of goodness and without regard to severity, and out comes ecumenism. Foolish! <<Dee Bowman>>