UNLEARNED LESSONS

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

As we journey through life, we are in a constant learning process. If one has godly parents, they follow a balanced pattern of: “Training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The wise and prudent parent will also make use of firm discipline. Part of it will include the understanding and administration of: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). In the field of education, it is interesting to note the emphasis on these terms of “training” and the particular field of study as a “discipline.” The lesson in these verses is obviously the regularity of training a child and the proper use and administration of discipline.

Another lesson one is to learn is that of humility. In I Peter 1:5-6, it is clearly stated: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” It is difficult because one’s natural instinct is to excel and to receive acclaim for one’s achievements. In that process, too often an exaggerated attitude of how significant one really is begins to surface. Pride is allowed to replace humility and self-aggrandizement comes to the forefront and doesn’t wait for God’s perfect timing in one’s life. When this becomes one’s aim and driving force, it will lead to indescribable tensions and anxieties as one pursues the often elusive acceptance and acclaim. In the process, it also misses a valuable lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart…”

This entire pursuit of acclaim and greatness is illustrated during a strange discussion by the disciples. In Mark 9: 33-37, their private discussion regarding  who among them was the greatest was occurring. They may have been embarrassed or shocked by what happens next: “He (Jesus) came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them: What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road? But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all…”  Note The intensity their discussion is described as: “They had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.” This is similar to a moment in Matthew 20:20-22 when the mother of James and John approached Jesus with a request. “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him…He said to her: What do you want? She said to him: Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom. Jesus answered: You do not know what you are asking.” She was attempting to gain an advantage for her sons by having them in positions of special recognition and honor. 

The lessons of servanthood, lowliness and humility are among the most difficult to learn in the Christian life. There’s a story that Pastors and Preachers should remember. One man who thought he had preached one of his finest sermons mused about it. On his way home, he turned to his wife and asked her: “How many great preachers are there in the world today?” She very wisely and quickly responded: “One less than you’re thinking about just now.” That idea is true for all followers of Jesus Christ. The pattern for one's behavior is summarized in Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” We need to have these words written indelibly in our hearts and minds, as well as prominently placed in our homes as a reminder of God’s desire and requirement for all who will follow Him. Walk humbly in the presence of God. Consider these things with me!