Humility, Weakness, and Strength
Today’s message will be short and hopefully sweet. My regular schedule was interrupted by an extra meeting.
This past week, I watched Jordan B. Peterson host a discussion on the Gospels. He was surrounded by eight or nine intellectuals, theologians, and philosophers who discussed the meaning of John 1:1. It reads, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” It was clear that they struggled to understand what it meant concerning the nature of God and Christ.
It amazed me that all these people had such difficulties articulating what seemed to me a simple and straightforward statement. It reminded me of the scripture 2 Timothy 3:7, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” That, combined with verse 5, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” At the end of verse 5, the admonition is instructive; from such, turn away.
Although this panel of ‘experts’ purported to seek greater understanding, it lacked the humility necessary to do so. It was more of a conclave of opinions and preconceived notions. I do not make that statement without recognizing how undereducated and experienced I am in making such judgments. I am not saying that I am any authority or have superior qualifications to them. However, I think I know where they go wrong.
Matthew describes it this way, “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” The Holy Trinity is the specific false doctrine on which they all base their understanding of John 1:1. I have given my thoughts on this many times, so I will not go into that now other than to say it complicates God to the point that He is unrecognizable and unfathomable.
My point is that the lack of humility and being instructed by the Holy Spirit is the real issue. Rather than seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost and the words of Christ, they turn to the early church fathers.
Paul said it this way, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”
I will finish with Ether 12:26-28, “And when I had said this, the Lord spake unto me, saying: Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness; And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. Behold, I will show unto the Gentiles their weakness, and I will show unto them that faith, hope and charity bringeth unto me—the fountain of all righteousness.”
If you think that only the people with titles or letters after their names know the truth, know that God can take your weakness if you are humble, make you strong, and give you understanding that surpasses the best and brightest of the world.