What a HUGE temptation to be self-satisfied as we acquire knowledge.
We soon secure a kind of confidence (or inflation) when we know things others don’t. Too little does our increased knowledge humble us as we recognize all the many things we do not know.
Our opinion of ourselves may intensify and improve, despite not using our gain for the benefit of others. It’s a strange irony. And I’ll bet it’s far easier to see this in others than in ourselves. What do you think?
It reminds me of the fish you see here. The porcupine fish (often confused for the pufferfish) have the ability to inflate their body by ingesting water or air, and swelling up. At 2 times their size vertically, they try to avoid death by scaring off smaller-mouthed predators. Their pointy spines, distend outwards when the fish is inflated, and some species are poisonous. A tetrodotoxin resdies in their internal organs, such as the ovaries and liver. This neurotoxin is at least 1200 times more potent than cyanide (from wikipedia).
One downside to furthering education is the routine bypass of true humility once some comprehension has been achieved. Knowledge ends there, perhaps. We like it because it helps us somehow comfort ourselves. It gets ingrown and fetid. Too often it is used to showoff, or deflect others when we are threatened, or to feel superior inwardly. Too often it is not united to wisdom, which should be our true goal. In wisdom, knowledge and maturity converge to bless others. Wisdom helps our knowledge to give back, and reproduce goodness in kind.
Knowledge without mindful experience won’t produce wisdom. A wise one is continually teachable, and can learn from any other person. A solely knowledgeable person compares themselves to others, and feels confident or insecure depending on who they are stacked against.
It’s not that education, knowledge, and learning is negative, on its own. It is the way we use our new understanding and expertise that is the issue of greatest import.
Paraphrase of I Corinthians 13:2b. “…If I can comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, and even possess mountain-moving faith, but disregard love, I am of no good use.”
I have to keep a close watch that my knowledge does not trap me into a foolish corner where wisdom cannot be found. I have to be mindful that I bless and not oppress others through gained knowledge. My God grant me his grace and nature to do it.
Who in your life has impressed you with his or her humility coupled with knowledge?
For me, I find Jesus a great example here. Also some of my learned professors have had incredible humility coupled with awing intelligence and academic achievement. It is a beautiful display of the Fruit of the Spirit.
How do you struggle with this, at times?
What helps you keep in-check?
Frankly, I know at least as many people who boast of their lack of formal education as those boast of having it. A person’s humility is a spiritual issue, not an intellectual one. Humility accompanies persons with or without a higher educational level, as does a boastful spirit. If one is prone to boasting, he or she will find something about which to do it. Others will know there limitations with or without an education, perhaps becoming even more humble by learning how little they can possibly know.
Well, now. You make a great point.
Hi Lisa, I got the simplest definition of humility at SD school this weekend:
Humility is knowledge – knowing who you are vis a vis kn0wing who God is. what a meditation this can be! – whether you use “vis a vis” as comparing your humanity with God’s divinity or “vis a vis” as being “face-to face” – God and you gazing at each other in love – created and Creator. I agree though with what you say – that is knowledge without fruit of the Spirit and knowledge without Matt 25:35ff lived in some form is deformed. THE problem to my thinking is how and where is the teaching Church teaching these things. Blessings
PS: Happy Valentines Day!!
What Ken said. I agree with the observation that it is easier to see pride in others than in ourselves, but I also believe that it is easier to project a prideful attitude onto others *wrongfully* than to see pride in ourselves.
Lisa, I just want you to know that your blog is a great source of healing in my life right now. It is so awesome (of God) to me that you posted this on the same day that I was wrestling with these issues while sitting in church.
Right now our church is looking for disciples who are “teachable,” meaning that they take direction from their disciplers. I have had to take a (respectful) stand that teachability is a two-way street. This is the approach that I take with the small group that I facilitate. Some of these women are my best source of accountability in my life right now. They consistently try to show empathy, *but also* retain objectivity. How can I refuse to take true correction from them, just because some give me the title of “leader”? To me, the idea of one-way-street accountability makes the very term “leader” leave a bad taste in my mouth — but not for the reasons some are quick to assume.
This just happened this weekend, so I am waiting to see how events will unfold. I am trying not to be anxious about it, but trust in God while being realistic about the number of ways this could play out. Because I have already endured slander from many sources about my “lack” of teachability and respect.
Please pray that God will use this process to open many hearts, resulting in teachability the likes of which many have been afraid to accept. I hope it is not selfish of me to also ask for prayer that God would vindicate my name (though I do not cling to any perceived “right” to be so vindicated… it sure seems like it would expedite my healing process, right? Maybe?) And please pray that I would continue to trust and follow Christ, regardless of where He takes me.
I don’t know if this is exactly the sort of thing you had in mind, Lisa, but your words are bringing light. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom with us :)
Thank you for sharing this. I’m glad you did. You are in my prayers. May God be with you, and may you hide your heart and your identity in Him, your rock and salvation. This dark valley is a necessary part of your journey, and part of a pruning process. God has his designs on you to know him more fully, and glorify his name in richer ways. Peace to you.
“…may you hide your heart and your identity in Him, your rock and salvation.”
I knew this, but I needed the reminder. Have had a much better week. Thank you.
As for what helps keep me in check, I guess it’s the fact that whatever I do to “the least of these,” in a way I do to Christ. (And sometimes I’m tempted to view slanderers, liars and false teachers as “the least of these.” )