In the weeks following 9/11, churches were reporting record high attendance. It seems the tragedy of the event caused lots of people to turn to God for comfort and answers.
Americans overwhelmingly claim to have used religion and spirituality as methods of coping with the events of 9/11; 90 percent claim to have turned to prayer, religion, or spiritual feelings at some level in order to deal with the tragedy, including 44 percent who said they relied heavily on these coping mechanisms.
By November polls were already indicating that church attendance had retreated back to normal levels.
By November polls were already indicating that church attendance had retreated back to normal levels.
At the risk of sounding cynical, isn’t it obvious what sudden church-goers were pursuing after 9/11? Isn’t it obvious that when under heightened stress people turn to God as if to ask, “Hey God, I know it’s been a while and I’ve been ignoring You, but you see I need You now, so can you take away my fear?” What did these people expect? Better yet, what did they get? They got what God says that people like that will. Since they lacked wisdom, they were left to their own devices.
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
“How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”
- Proverbs 1:20-33
When droves of anxious people figured out that God doesn’t work like they want Him to, what did they do (a mere week or two after heading back to churches)? They went right back to their old ways, of course! They weren’t really interested in God; they were only looking for relief. While God’s response wasn’t satisfactory for them, it certainly was for those who had taken the time beforehand to both get to know Him and acquire His wisdom. The difference between the two camps is simple: the prior fear man, the latter fear the Lord (cp. Matthew 10:28, Proverbs 14:26).
Wisdom isn’t a magical pill one receives by approaching the throne of grace on human terms. Wisdom is a grace gift given to those who humbly seek the Lord.
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
- James 4:6-10
A humble person is prepared for disaster because their humility has driven them away from self-reliance towards the holy, sovereign God of the Universe who controls history. This person attended church before 9/11 and long afterwards. They don’t look at God like a pharmacist who doles out magic pills to take away their anxieties; rather, they obey His commands.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
- John 15:7
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
- 1 John 5:14-15
God has given us His Word for a reason. It is the very bread of life. It is our source of knowledge. It is our touchpoint with God’s wisdom. Only a fool rejects it.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
- Proverbs 1:7
Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.
- Proverbs 1:5
An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- Proverbs 18:15
So, what did 9/11 teach us? Minimally, it was a perfect illustration of human nature, like when a drowning person tries to grab hold of anything they perceive as a life preserver. The only issue is that if you don’t have life, there’s nothing God is willing to preserve (regardless of whether or not you’re sitting in a church on Sunday). You see, an unsaved person is looking for a solution to save self. It doesn’t matter the source, only that it represents a potential solution. This person fears losing their life as they know it. Jesus had a lot to say about this.
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
- Matthew 16:24-26
Jesus was clearly saying that for a person to gain the benefits that God has to offer, they must be humble enough to surrender to Him as the only One capable of saving them from all things (including the terror of 9/11). If they aren’t willing to surrender to His Word, then they aren’t really interested in His form of salvation, are they?
For a believer, God’s Word is everything!
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
- Colossians 3:16
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- Philippians 4:8-9
Tragedies such as 9/11 happen every day in various parts of the world, at different intensities. There’s only ever one place to turn for deliverance and everlasting comfort.
Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
- Psalm 25:4-5
Love in Christ,
Ed Collins
