Yesterday I was online looking at some resources to help people grow in their spiritual journey. I was reminded of a book by a gentleman who was well-versed in the Bible and who had some profoundly deep insights from Scripture. I logged onto his site, anxious to see what was available to help Christ followers mature in their faith. I clicked on an introductory video to his book…and then threw up in my mouth. I thought, “Surely this guy isn’t that arrogant,” so I clicked on one of his teaching videos where I was greeted by an ego bigger than Mount Everest. I couldn’t watch more than 60 seconds before clicking the stop button. And then it hit me: knowledge is an idol…atleast to some people it is. And the rate of their growing knowledge is matched by the rate of their growing ego.
Yesterday morning, hours before watching these videos, I read Proverbs 1:7: “Start with God–the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning.” I don’t think it was an accident that I read this verse and watched these videos on the same day. What I saw and what I read were starkly different. So this morning I jotted down a few thoughts in my journal; subtle reminders that before I grow up I must first bow down…that as my learning increases so must humility.
Bowing implies submission, respect, honor, reverence, humility, and teachability. This is the heart posture we must take in order to be lifelong learners. Otherwise we will enthrone our knowledge and make God our footstool…what Proverbs calls, “thumbing their noses.” May God, not your current pool of knowledge, be the God of your learning.
Question: What place does God have in your personal growth?
