Theme for this week: Giants in the Land – World Views
January 26, 2022 (Wednesday)
The word, “Agnosticism,” is formed from two Greek words which translate to English as, “without knowledge.” If I say I am an agnostic, I am saying I don’t know whether God exists or not.
In our journey through life as Christians, some of us have had moments when we were not sure about God’s presence, because life was not going our way and we felt alone. In those rare moments, we were not “agnostics;” we were Believers who were going through some difficult days. We always emerged from our trials singing, “Where could I go but to the Lord?”
There are others, however, who do not have a personal relationship with God in Christ, and who readily say, “I just do not know.”
According to the philosopher William L. Rowe, “agnosticism is the view that human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either the belief that God exists or the belief that God does not exist.” Some agnostics insist that God may exist, but they are not sure about it. Perhaps some of them long to have full assurance of faith, like the Apostle Paul, when he said, ” I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV). Paul had hated those who believed in Jesus, but one day met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and became totally dedicated to Him for the rest of his life. But not many of us have had a miraculous introduction to Jesus like Paul had. Some struggle with the whole idea of faith in God. They are not sure about it. They are agnostics.
Perhaps you know someone who has difficulty believing in God. Pray for that person. When the time seems right, try to explain why you believe, in all cases relating your conversion experience. As with all attempts at witnessing to others, present your beliefs in a loving manner. Judging others should be avoided, no matter who they are, but one should be especially careful to have a loving attitude toward the person he or she is trying to lead to Christ.
Words, Ray Palmer
Music, Lowell Mason
1832
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away,
Oh, let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh, may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be,
A living fire!
While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold, sullen stream
Shall o’er me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
Oh, bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!