Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds people up. If anyone thinks they know something, they don’t yet know as much as they should know. — 1 Corinthians 8:1b-2
Here’s an observation: The more someone speaks with certainty, the more afraid they are. People like appearing to have it all together because it’s frightening not being able to call the shots in your life. Doctrines, degrees, and dogma give the illusion of security. Showing great insight into human nature, Paul said this leads to “arrogance,” a Greek term that literally means “to puff yourself up.” It’s like you’re inflating yourself to appear bigger than you really are.
All it takes for a balloon to pop is something sharp. Such as accidents, misfortunes, diseases, breakups, bankruptcies, and–oh yes–death. It’s such things that deflate us. They remind us that we’re the created and not the Creator. They call us back to the vulnerabilities with which we live our lives.
True faith is living with the vulnerability of love. It’s putting aside our egos and relying on the care and wisdom of others. It’s putting aside our egos and gently caring for and guiding others, especially the ones who are different from ourselves.
It can get pretty lonely and nerve-wracking trying to maintain the illusion of having it all together. On the other hand, love builds people up–creating a community of broken folks who help heal each other from the disease of arrogance.
Faith isn’t certainty. It’s daring to be guided by love during uncertain times.
An interesting thought!
Good teaching!