Knowledge that leads to humility
Aug. 10 2007As I write this today, August 31st, is my 16th wedding anniversary. Which can only mean two things: (1) I asked and received special dispensation for writing this response, and (2) humble orthodoxy is important enough that I needed to ask permission to give it attention.
“Humbly accept the word planted in you.” That’s the command James writes to his audience and to us who follow Christ.
My life is filled with examples of not humbly accepting and walking in the word of God. And in each instance, my lack of humility and meekness has led to pain in relationships, missed opportunities, and confusion. In my arrogant assumption that I knew all I needed to know, had answers to the difficult questions others were asking, was “mature” for my age and station in life, I’ve steamrolled people and sullied the cause of Christ. I’m ashamed of those things. And I’m ashamed that really I held “false knowledge” which “puffs up” rather than edifies.
By God’s grace, I’ve learned some things over the years. Mostly I’ve learned how much I still need to know. And I’m growing in my awareness that knowledge of the truth without humility is not “the word planted in you.” Right knowledge of God and His ways can only lead to humility, to lowliness and meekness. Who can stare at the marvel of the Son crucified by His Father’s decree for our sins and walk away puffed up?
“Humble orthodoxy” is the mark of genuine biblical faith in Christ. It can be no other way. I’m committed to humble orthodoxy because I want to grow in the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ, and to help others do so. I want to humbly walk with my God. And I’m thankful for this opportunity to learn and contribute at Na because I need help in this walk, as we all do.
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Thabiti Anyabwile is the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman and blogs regularly at Pure Church.