MCGI Topic Review | Are Man’s Thoughts or Abilities Limited Before God?
This is one of the most significant subjects all Christians ought to ponder upon. When we discuss the restrictions of man before God we are discussing the understanding of the man and God. Man is weak in nature, constrained, and cannot see the complete picture of life. But God is infinite, omnipotent, and omniskie. Even in my own considerations and thoughts and particularly, it struck me after hearing teaching in MCGI that the thoughts and capabilities of man are actually small when compared to the greatness of God. This knowledge does not put us down but serves to enable us have more faith in God.
The initial point that needs to be comprehended is that the knowledge of man is extremely small in front of the knowledge of God. Despite the wisdom or intelligence of an individual, there is a boundary to the understanding of the human mind. It is written in Isaiah 55:8-9 in the Bible, thus; for my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways, says the Lord. This scripture clearly indicates that God is on a higher level of thinking as compared to ours. As I cogitate on this, I realize that in many occasions, we worry, fear or do wrong actions because this is what God cannot see. God is the one who has a knowledge of what is at the end and that is the only evidence of how limited we are as human beings.
The other reason why man is limited before God is the fact that our strength and ability may fail. We have moments when we become weak, tired or are not strong enough to carry our burdens. But God is never weak. About Psalm 147:5, it says, Great is our Lord, and of great power, his understanding is infinite. This informs us that the strength of man can be exhausted but the strength of God is endless. I have experienced situations when I was not even able to comprehend my situation and find the solutions, but I never give up as I always remember that God can do everything and has limitless power.
Moreover, the possibilities of man are narrow since we are not able to control everything surrounding. There is not a single human being who can control time, weather, future and even the following minute. But God controls all things. Pro. 19: 21: It is written, There are many devices in the heart of a man; yet the counsel of the Lord that there shall be. This implies that God will always do what He wants even in our planning. This does not imply that planning is futile, it is just that God is the ultimate authority of everything. Often as I reflect back on my life, I realize how many things went wrong according to my plans, but an even better thing came up. That in itself makes me think that God is more powerful than I am.
But in spite of the fact that man is limited, there is one more significant truth, there exist God who is able to give us more power than we can have. Such is what renders the topic even more beautiful. So when we are alone we can do less but with God we can do more. Philippians 4:13 explains that, I can do it all through Christ that empowers me. This is to imply that our constraints do not put a stop to the story. Through the aid of God to our weakness, we can do things we had never thought of. This is what I have witnessed in my life. When I believed in God, I did things that I thought I was not in a position to do.
The MCGI teachings also enable us to realize that relying on God is what will enable us to overcome our constraints. Human beings are a failure because they rely overly on their capabilities. But the Bible is telling us to remember Proverbs 3:56, to trust the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. Throughout thy ways realise him, and he will guide thy ways. This scripture demonstrates clearly that we should not just understand. The guidance of God is necessary to help us not to make mistakes.
The other fact is that God imposes restrictions to ensure that we are humbled. Unlimited capacity of man would lead to the danger of pride and forgetting God. but, due to the infirmities, we know how to pray, to seek aid and to lean upon God. 2 Corinthians 12:9, My grace is sufficient unto thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. This implies that our weaknesses depict greatness of God. I usually have a closer relationship with God when I acknowledge that I am not capable of doing everything alone.
Finally, thinking and capabilities of man are indeed insignificant before God, but it is not a drawback. Rather it is a call to remember that we require God in all we do. God is more wise, powerful and understands more than the human mind can comprehend. When we surrender and submit ourselves with all our deficiencies, we become stronger, God leads us and assists us to do things that we cannot do naturally. This realization would make one have a peaceful experience, be humbled, and have more connection with God.