We are perpetually in need of humility. One reason would be that we claim to carry on a relationship with the Living God. We must not take this lightly. This is a sacred privilege; yet it could quickly turn sour in our own conceit. Condescension of another is far from the call Jesus offers.
J. I. Packer brings up a most important question. What do I intend to do with my knowledge about God, once I have got it? For the fact that we have to face is this: that if we pursue theological knowledge for its own sake, it is bound to go bad on us. It will make us proud and conceited. The very greatness of the matter will intoxicate us, and we shall come to think of ourselves as a cut above other Christians.
There is great need of an AA sort of mind-set among us for often we walk as drunk on the few Bible verses and texts we believe we have obeyed. We turn speaking where the Bible speaks into public slobbering if we do not communicate with utmost meekness.
To view ourselves as doing God better than others is sheer blasphemy. Certainly, understanding of scriptures and extent of good deeds will vary from one to another. Yet, no one is heaven bound through any person other than Jesus for he was painfully executed for our dirty and ugly sins. It is at the cross that all true knowledge of God bows low in humility.
Of course we are to learn. Of course we are expected to grow in understanding of the Bible. And one of the most gigantic seas to cross in this trek will be to grasp the depths of our own personal ruin unless Jesus saves.
Packer states clearly that without awareness of our own devastation the knowledge of God will make us merely proud and conceited. Often I am guilty of this very strong truth.
To follow Jesus via the path of the cross will not allow us to become intoxicated in our own arrogance. Rather to walk behind him will lead us to stark sobriety. And this state might offer a renewed persuasion of drawing others into the dynamics of Jesus.
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