Is it wrong to pray for God to make me more successful so that I can be more humble?
Paul writes: "We know that 'We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up." (I Corinthians 8:1b, Today's NIV). If "knowledge puffs up," then we as professionals are in ever-present danger of having elephantine egos.
A decade ago, U.S. News & World Report found evidence in academia of Paul's observation: "A poll of university professors found that 94% of the respondents thought that they were better at their jobs than their average colleague" (16 Dec 1996).
I have a natural inclination to puffiness. What's a “gifted intellect” like me supposed to do? My ego likes the world to believe that I am a super successful professional and am really smart. But "don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" (James 4:4b).
Blaise Pascal (1623-62), one of the greatest scientists of the 17th century, voiced the proper perspective on the matter. Pascal invented the first computer, studied vacuums and was a gifted mathematician. The metric unit of pressure bears his name. (I'm hesitant to admit it, but his intellect probably exceeded mine.)
On Monday, Nov 23, 1654, Pascal had a life-changing conversion encounter with Jesus Christ. We know these details because, upon Pascal's death, personal notes about his conversion were found in the lining of his coat. He wrote the following prayer:
"Almighty God, who gave your servant Blaise Pascal a great intellect that he might explore the mysteries of your creation, and who kindled in his heart a love for you and a devotion to your service - mercifully give us your servants, according to our various callings, gifts of excellence in body, mind, and will, and the grace to use them diligently and to your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever."
Pascal had it right. I am to celebrate my intellect as a gift from God, and when rejoicing in any accomplishments, do it before Him in thanksgiving. This is such an obvious directive.
Solomon also addresses this dilemma, and gives argument-settling advice to people like myself with debating egos. "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole [duty] of man." (Eccl 12:12b-13).
Paul writes: "We know that 'We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up." (I Corinthians 8:1b, Today's NIV). If "knowledge puffs up," then we as professionals are in ever-present danger of having elephantine egos.
A decade ago, U.S. News & World Report found evidence in academia of Paul's observation: "A poll of university professors found that 94% of the respondents thought that they were better at their jobs than their average colleague" (16 Dec 1996).
I have a natural inclination to puffiness. What's a “gifted intellect” like me supposed to do? My ego likes the world to believe that I am a super successful professional and am really smart. But "don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" (James 4:4b).
Blaise Pascal (1623-62), one of the greatest scientists of the 17th century, voiced the proper perspective on the matter. Pascal invented the first computer, studied vacuums and was a gifted mathematician. The metric unit of pressure bears his name. (I'm hesitant to admit it, but his intellect probably exceeded mine.)
On Monday, Nov 23, 1654, Pascal had a life-changing conversion encounter with Jesus Christ. We know these details because, upon Pascal's death, personal notes about his conversion were found in the lining of his coat. He wrote the following prayer:
"Almighty God, who gave your servant Blaise Pascal a great intellect that he might explore the mysteries of your creation, and who kindled in his heart a love for you and a devotion to your service - mercifully give us your servants, according to our various callings, gifts of excellence in body, mind, and will, and the grace to use them diligently and to your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever."
Pascal had it right. I am to celebrate my intellect as a gift from God, and when rejoicing in any accomplishments, do it before Him in thanksgiving. This is such an obvious directive.
Solomon also addresses this dilemma, and gives argument-settling advice to people like myself with debating egos. "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole [duty] of man." (Eccl 12:12b-13).
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