Article by Cameron Spink

 

The United Nations held a World Humanitarian Day on August 19^th. I must admit I was not aware of their campaign last Sunday and did not place any significance on it as a humanitarian day. Perhaps the United Nations feel that a day is the best way to shake people out of their apathy.

 

Now before my criticisms I must say that actually caring about neighbours and humanity is a very important thing and we, as Westerners, are not doing it enough. We are apathetic and lazy. I can say this because I too am apathetic and lazy. I am largely ignorant of the plight of others. Even my own wife believes from time to time that I am unaware of some of the difficulties she faces. This is obviously something that I need to rectify (both spousally and globally) and headlines like World Humanitarian Day is a great way of reinforcing and reminding me of my deficiencies.

 

However, what is occurring here is a characteristic worldview error. For a case in point let us examine the slogan for the event "I Was Here". Attached to this slogan is a song written by Beyoncé Knowles. I must commend her on the quality of the song. Judging by the title it is obvious that she was given specific instructions as to the theme and title of the song. With those sort of restraints she has done a masterful job of actually making a memorable song. Yet while the song is quite creative it is also very revealing as to the thought processes regarding humanitarian aid from a secular point of view:

 

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!

 

Take a look at the lyrics:

"I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time

Know there was something that, and something that I left behind

When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets

Leave something to remember, so they won't forget

I was here I lived,

I loved I was here I did,

I've done, everything that I wanted

And it was more than I thought it would be

I will leave my mark so everyone will know

I was here

I want to say I lived each day, until I die

And know that I meant something in, somebody's life

The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave

That I made a difference, and this world will see

I just want them to know

That I gave my all, did my best

Brought someone to happiness

Left this world a little better just because...."

 

Obviously much humanitarian good can be achieved with such sentiments. It is vitally important to consider our actions on other humans. We must be aware that we cannot avoid affecting others in both positive and detrimental ways. However, it is clear that Beyoncé's song is very reflective of secular humanism. The ultimate goal is to "leave my mark" and "mean something in somebody's life". Again, important things to be participating in. But not an ultimate goal. Let us contrast Knowles' song with one written a long time ago by King David:

"O LORD, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!

Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.

Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath!
Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you."

Psalm 39:4-7 (ESV)

 

This perspective was relevant 3,000 years ago and is still relevant today. Unlike the progressive tune that is attached to World Humanitarian Day this psalm is eternal and reflects reality. The music video linked above has been watched almost 4 million times. The bulk of the comments talk about how admirable the song/video is or how beautiful Beyoncé's soul is. Yet how many people are interested in the Psalm above.

 

David reveals how we best measure our days. In doing so he paints humanity not as the spotlight of creation (though it is) but composed against the majesty of God. Our life is measured as meaningless in time. Mankind is not the saviour of humanity. Everything is put into perspective and it seems the marks we would want to leave are completely insignificant. This reminds me of one of the chief characters in the Kevin Kline movie The Emperor's Club. Although he'd been dead for over 3,000 years Shutruk Nahunte plays a pivotal role in the history classroom at St. Benedict's Academy (a fictional school).

 

The story goes that Shutruk Nahunte was once a dominant conqueror and King of Elam. A plaque was found stating:

"I am Shutruk Nahunte, King of Anshand and Sussa, Sovereign of the land of Elam. I destroyed Sippar, took the stele of Niran-Sin, and brought it back to Elam, where I erected it as an offering to my god."

 

Shutruk Nahunte, 1158 B.C.

 

Yet for all his exploits it is revealed that this is the last trace of the self-pronounced all-powerful conqueror. The Emperor's Club does go on to take on a secular message but on this point it exemplifies humanity accurately. Our actions are tiny. This is the kind of perspective that allows us to receive the positive news - "My hope is in you". Our efforts are destined to fail, yet it is not all doom and gloom because salvation does not lie in our hands, but in God's. This is wonderful news and brings about a different approach and tact to how we attempt humanitarian work. People don't just need to be saved from starving, epidemics, floods and the like. They also need saving from their own humanity. Humanity cannot be the answer because humanity is part of the problem.

 

The charge may be leveled against me that I am encouraging laziness. To the contrary people need to be taken out of poverty, out of war-zones and out of danger but this is not real salvation, it is just delaying the inevitable. As Christians we should be on the forefront of these initiatives because these acts are meaningless without a Godly perspective. Real hope is not found in humanitarian acts but in God. The idea that we can make this world "a little better" without God's help is toxic and egotistical. As a Christian I know what the real measure of my days is, and there I know my hope is not in vain.