Has human guidance failed?
Understanding Life’s Greatest Questions Through Scripture
” It’s neither the purpose nor intent of this material to ridicule the views either of fundamentalists or of those who choose not to believe in God. Rather, it is our hope that it will prompt you to examine again the basis for some of your beliefs”.
Why We Need a Handbook for Life
In our modern world, we’re accustomed to receiving instruction manuals with every new gadget or appliance. These handbooks, crafted by the manufacturer, provide essential guidance on how to operate the device optimally. It’s a commonsense approach that ensures we get the most out of our purchases.
But what about the most complex creation of all—human life?
Just as a physical product requires a manual, so too does our existence. The Bible, a sacred text revered by billions, offers a unique perspective on this matter. It presents itself as a divine handbook, inspired by the ultimate Creator, God.
Why Do We Need a Divine Handbook?
The Bible isn’t merely a collection of ancient stories; it’s a timeless guidebook that addresses the fundamental questions of life:
- Our Origin: The Bible provides an account of creation, explaining how and why we exist.
- Our purpose: It outlines the reason for our existence and the goals we should pursue.
- Our Potential: It reveals the incredible potential within each of us and how to unlock it.
- Our Problems acknowledges the challenges we face and offers solutions.
- Our Destiny: It points to a future hope, a life beyond our earthly existence.
How Can We Benefit from the Bible?
By studying and applying the principles found within the Bible, we can:
- Gain Wisdom: The Bible offers profound insights into human nature and the world around us.
- Find Peace: It provides comfort and hope in times of difficulty.
- Build Strong Relationships: It teaches us how to love and forgive.
- Live a Purposeful Life: It helps us align our actions with God’s plan.
Just as a well-written manual can enhance our experience with a product, the Bible can enrich our lives immeasurably. It’s a timeless gift from our Creator, designed to guide us towards a fulfilling and eternal future.
The Question of Creation
First things first, we have to establish how we got here and why we are here. Were we created, and if so, who created us? In fact, who created all things? If your answer is “God,” then you are in company with millions who believe in the God of the Bible, the Creator.
Yet, many who claim to believe in God have difficulty accepting that He is actively involved in solving mankind’s problems. Is it realistic to think that God has a programme under way that will bring relief to humankind? Many find no reasonable evidence that this is so.
The History of Human Solutions
For thousands of years—2,024 to be precise—humans have experimented with countless governments in the search for solutions, leaving God totally out of the picture. But have humans found the solutions? Or are the problems getting more serious and difficult to resolve?
How is man handling the urgent problems in the world today?
Environmental Devastation
One expert puts it this way:
“Ever since the Industrial Revolution, the developed countries have over-exploited the world’s natural resources through unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, causing damage to the global environment, to the detriment of developing countries.”
Despite many warnings, man continues to ruin the earth.
“In the second half of this century, economic covetousness, lack of caution, and negligence were responsible for great disasters that not only claimed human victims but also degraded the environment, often to incalculable limits.”
-—The Argentinean newspaper Clarín
Poverty and Social Breakdown
Extreme poverty is now a permanent fixture in modern global society. Even the so-called rich countries of the world are bending their knees under the overwhelming weight of poverty. According to a publication of Toronto, Canada, it is estimated that :
“. . . one-third of all Canadians will experience poverty over the course of their working lives.”
-—The Globe and Mail
The newspaper adds that:
“. . . family breakdown is one of the main reasons for poverty, and the trend has accelerated in recent years.”
The Drug Crisis
Drug abuse is another sign of a deteriorating society. What can mankind do about it? Evidently very little overall. Millions continue to experience physical, mental, and moral degradation as a direct result of their abuse of narcotics. . . And the problem is spreading like wildfire!
Health and Human Rights Challenges
Scientists seem to be losing the war against disease; we saw how inept they are during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the tragic loss of 227,000 people, just in the UK. Globally, the figure is approximately 7.07 million (as of October 2024).
True, modern technology has won many battles. Yet, some scientific procedures in themselves have contributed to the emergence of new drug-resistant strains of dangerous microbes.
Human governments cannot stop widespread violations of human rights. For example, despite the many pledges and laws formulated to prevent slavery, it is estimated that around the world, more than 100,000,000 (100 million) people are forced to work under conditions that amount to abject slavery.
Why Human Guidance Has Failed
But why has human guidance failed? Consider these factors. Human guidance comes from people—imperfect people who have serious limitations. Their experience in life is relatively short and generally limited by certain cultures or environments.
Their knowledge is also somewhat limited. Whatever guidance they give reflects those limitations. As the apostle Paul said,
“. . . all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23.
In reality, most of the problems and difficulties that the greater part of humankind is experiencing are the direct or indirect result of ignoring God’s guidance.
Where, though, can such guidance be found? How does God provide us with direction today?
The following article will consider the answers.