There are Pharisees at seminary.
I have a tendency to worship intellect more than God. It's gotten better, as God has been revealing himself to me through things outside of the seminary...but outside of the seminary is not where my problem is.
One would think, after studying the Bible and doctrine and ministry all day, that you'd grow to be more patient and kind and loving. Heck no, techno.
"That's undergrad thinking."
Where do you see God working?
In my discernment. He's showing me who may be acting this way out of brokenness, and telling me to care for them gently. He's also showing me who should know better by now. Those...I have a feeling me might prompt me to speak against. With just as much tact and care, of course, but probably not with a hug.
What do you hear God saying?
"Careful with this one. You're right, but come to me first. Patience...patience..."
How do you see God working?
He's begun blessing me with several strong women-friends. We realized we were struggling very much in the same way, and it's calming to know I have a support network closer by.
I have a tendency to worship intellect more than God. It's gotten better, as God has been revealing himself to me through things outside of the seminary...but outside of the seminary is not where my problem is.
One would think, after studying the Bible and doctrine and ministry all day, that you'd grow to be more patient and kind and loving. Heck no, techno.
"That's undergrad thinking."
"Oh, but is it class-interesting, or small group-interesting?"
"He wrote a good book, but he only teaches undergrad."
It's come to the point where I'm afraid to have friends visit, worried that they'll just be torn down. Some of the most wise people I have met don't even have a basic college education, let alone experience in master's level coursework. But they're still brilliant at what they do. Yet those things aren't being respected. It's as if they believe that the only way God recognizes you is if you work in a church, or work in affiliation with a church. If that's true, I'm probably going to hell.
The term "pharisee," you probably recognize. They're featured in the New Testament regularly as pompous bigots who stomped all over Christ's ministry. In Hebrew, prushim means "separated." In Arimaic, pĕrīshayyā means "separated ones." In Christianity, while we are set apart, I don't think God called us to be separated. And yet it's all I'm seeing.
Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
Proverbs 3:7
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.In my theology class, Prof. Bacote said, "Grace turns information into wisdom." Grace is easy for God, who is grace, but we do have to try. It is essential to our faith, it is demanded from our ministry. I struggle with it (see Fact #35) plenty, but I do see enormous cause for concern here. When I didn't feel welcome here right away, I assumed it was just me. Now I'm wondering.
Where do you see God working?
In my discernment. He's showing me who may be acting this way out of brokenness, and telling me to care for them gently. He's also showing me who should know better by now. Those...I have a feeling me might prompt me to speak against. With just as much tact and care, of course, but probably not with a hug.
What do you hear God saying?
"Careful with this one. You're right, but come to me first. Patience...patience..."
How do you see God working?
He's begun blessing me with several strong women-friends. We realized we were struggling very much in the same way, and it's calming to know I have a support network closer by.
