“Why do you see the speck that is in
your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your
brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your
own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of
your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your
brother's eye.”
―Matthew
7:3-5
Troubling stuff, Lord.
I’m reading a book authored by a modern-day pundit. I find myself
not only disagreeing with 90% of what he says, but the content is pressing
certain buttons in my brain that I would rather not have pushed. I am flustered
by this fellow to the point that I don’t even want to mention his name for
concern it might be deviously mispurposed as some kind of endorsement to those
who seek to embrace a humanistic worldview. I do not recommend this book,
other than as a warning/example of high-minded opinionism.
Forgive me, Lord, he has the right to his opinions. I am sad for,
not angry at him. I am sure others have such opinions of me and I pray that You
correct me if my thoughts and actions are out of alignment with Your plan.
And for the “curious” out there…
No, I am not the
said author of the offending book―I’m not “self-bashing”.
No,
I do not recommend book burning―but I do admit to sometimes speaking out/acting-out
negatively, based on my own perceptions.
What a buildup, right? Why all the upfront apologetics, Adonai? I’m
getting to that. I’m seeking Your wise spiritual counsel on a matter. To do so,
I feel the need to think through (write through―that’s how You crafted me to
think best) the issue and then wait on Your guidance to manifest. That means I
have had to patiently read through the other author’s work to give him fair
appraisal, and to make sure I somehow did not miss some critical point.
In quick summary: The author accuses that we live in an age where “experts”
of any type are scorned by the masses. His overarching premise is that experts
who have been accredited in their said professions should not just be respected
for their expertise, but also trusted because of their experience, education
and the endorsement of their colleagues who share the same expertise.
Lord, to me, that reasoning and defense smacks of elitism in its
purest form.
But here’s the really disturbing part, Sovereign. At one time in my
life, I could have been that guy. I remember harboring, even voicing very
similar ideas, and considering myself such an expert. In fact, I can imagine even
now having this very discussion with my friends and family around a table. Many,
maybe even all of them, might say, “Oh come on Mark, I have definitely heard
you speak in that way and have seen you behave based on a similar bias.” Then
we would all share a chuckle about it.
I confess Lord, they would not be wrong. Here’s the glaring issue―as
it has always been when You lovingly hold the mirror up for me to consider…
―Is that who I want to be?
More so, how convicted am I to follow You on an alternative path
based on a different mindset altogether?
In this age of data-tracking, I’m discovering how having possession
of data or confidence in one’s skills does not translate into reliable
understanding and practical capability. Even one of the hallmarks of expertise,
the concept of Scientific Methodology which You created, has been corrupted by
us, Lord.
I was taught that the original intention of the Scientific Method
is to ask what exists, then prove or disprove its existence by measured
observations. But by today’s postmodern thinking, the Scientific Method begins
with assuming something exists, then creating measurements to prove its
existence.
Lord, I am warned by You against human expertise, whether it is
someone else or me who wants others to respect our coveted positions of power
and control. But now comes an even bigger caution shared by You throughout scripture.
It is directed at me and anyone else reading along:
Before
I judge the author of the book I’m critiquing, before I argue against anyone
else’s opinions, I must consider who I was, who I am, and who I want to be. Why?
Because You have told me what is good and what is
required…to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with my God.
Is this resonating with anyone else out there? Can any of us claim
we haven’t harbored/voiced (or are still harboring/voicing) similar indignance;
believing we are better than You, God almighty, at determining best practices,
administering skills, plying false integrity, and distorted servitude in our trades? Are we
capable of deferring to You, the Highest Authority, for expertise? Or are we
doomed to eternally point fingers at one another, claiming we, because of our
Selfish-Expertise-mindsets; know better?
My Savior, I think here is the best place to seek forgiveness from
my fellow men and women. I don’t want to appear to be arguing that they should
not be honored for their insights, education, experience, and intelligence.
Certainly, we have all been endowed by our Creator with talents and skills.
Some have even been bestowed with incredible spiritual gifts that can benefit
the rest of humanity. Praise You for Your craftsmanship displayed through our
best efforts! But the subject-author
suggests that his expertise makes him more intelligent, wiser than the general
public within his domain. And I too have been tempted to ignore or dismiss the
positions of others because their views, training, and life history don’t match
up with what I deem credentially acceptable.
If someone who does not believe in a spiritual frame of reference condemns
those with such a reference because they do not trust exclusively in human
expertise, how do we proceed? Conversely, if I with my spiritual mindset do not
carefully consider the expertise of other humans that You place in my path,
regardless of their spiritual orientation, what blessings might I miss?
So, I’m asking for Your help Lord, Your wise council to be present
as I weigh all the factors relating to the expertise of life. Whether I believe
or practice as others do, let me demonstrate proper reflection before
accepting, rejecting, or debating their prowess. I pray for You to inspire
patience in them as well to consider my frame of reference, so that we can all
draw on the best from one another. Inspire us toward solutions rather than endless
complaining and debate.
Guide me as You convict me into a deeper study of Your Beatitudes
to discover the blessings of Your will and plan for me; how I am to walk,
serving Your purpose in the world rather than serving the desires of the world.
Let Your insight shine through me as a testimony to others. Let us all dare to
consider Your power and Your desire to guide us by the application of Your
eternal skills as the only consistent Expert in whom any of us can totally
depend.
Also, Lord, thank You for testing me and my ways―shining a light on
the thoughts and opinions of those with whom I disagree. Let me be respectful
and considerate, but not blindly compliant to their views. Help me to be ever
mindful of and receptive to Your ways in comparison with humanity’s ways.
It is so,
Mark C.
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