Remember when I mentioned that I spent some time in law enforcement? It was quite an experience. Do you want to hear something amusing? Most law enforcement officers believe they are experts in their field. What’s even more amusing is that we would often engage in heated debates with each other about who was better at understanding the law. When I recount some of the intense arguments we had, it was clear that we all felt like we were “experts” in our respective areas. Of course, we were all new to law enforcement, brimming with enthusiasm and eager to prove ourselves. Well, how naive we were.
Speaking of how foolish we were, I have a story to share. I had a friend who had to testify in court around this time. Now, he and I used to engage in spirited debates about the law. On the same day, both of us found ourselves in the same courtroom. He had a DUI case and was being questioned by a renowned and notorious attorney. I felt for my friend because he stammered and stuttered as the attorney relentlessly bombarded him with questions. This incident reminds me of the scripture about the attitude we shouldn’t carry:
1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NIV) 1 ….We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know.
While my friend is being cross-examined relentlessly by this attorney, I’m shivering in my boots in the courtroom. I’m shivering because I have a pending DUI case, and I did the exact same thing he did. I didn’t have the same attorney, but if this attorney is half as good as this one, I’m still in for a long time. It’s not that we did anything wrong; did we follow the law? Yes! The issue was that we didn’t know as much as this attorney did. And as we discovered, we didn’t know much at all.
As I conclude, it’s important to recognize that while we may possess knowledge and expertise in our respective fields, such as our profession or our understanding of the word of God, there will always be individuals who possess greater knowledge. We should not be arrogant and believe that we know it all. True confidence comes from humility and recognizing our limitations. The Heavenly Father is omniscient and omnipotent, and we will never surpass His knowledge. This serves as a cautionary tale for my friend and I: don’t let arrogance cloud your judgment, just like the Marshmallow Men!
Next step:
How can you ensure that your knowledge of matters translates into love and humility in your interactions with others? In what ways can you actively seek to build up those around you rather than allowing knowledge to foster pride?
God bless you, God keep you. God loves you and I love you too!
If you’re looking for weekend reading, you may enjoy spending a little unhurried time in these passages:
Matthew 6
Matthew 7
