And the pride of life…
I haven’t linked to Dave Black’s blog lately. So, this gem is highly overdue.
In the post, he’s talking about learning Greek… because, well, you know, he’s a Greek professor. So, he wants his students to learn to read Greek, right. Well, yes. But, it seems like that’s not his goal.
For example, he writes (on Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 5:40 p.m.):
That pride Jesus warned us about, the leaven of the Pharisees, is so infectious today that I would sooner teach students who are obedient than those who leave seminary with heads filled with useless knowledge. If a knowledge of Greek does not lead to greater obedience, if it is not marked by a passionate love for the lost, if it is not born of a commitment to the Great Commission, then it is the same old pride that does little more than flaunt our own superiority by making others feel just how “ignorant” they are.
I think Dave’s encouragement and warning can be applied to any type of knowledge – especially theological knowledge. Are you an expert in systematic theology? What about historical research? New Testament or Old Testament studies?
Without a heart submitted to God and a life lived in a way that demonstrates love for God and love for others… what good is it?