Smart Alec, Clever Dick & Frank:
With many years in pastoral ministry, including full-time work in the field of mental illness, caring for the elderly, running after-school clubs and being a volunteer hospital chaplain, one could say that I’ve gained a fair bit of experience.
Yet I put my hands up!
I don’t know it all!
I’ll be the first to admit it!
For instance, I’ve never read a single volume of the Encyclopaedia Britannica!
No, not one!
And I have no intentions of doing so!
There, that’s it, I’ve said it!
But have you ever met the people who think they know everything and refuse to accept advice or information from others?
Oh-boy!
The know-it-all!
The Smart Alec.
The upstart!
The dictionary describes these kind of people as being self-centred with little regard for others – characteristic of false pride – having an exaggerated sense of self-importance!
Still, the Bible tells us about a bloke called Paul, who acknowledged, “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.
But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.”
Well, I don’t know about you, but I admire Paul’s integrity.
What a character!
In addition, he confessed, “I did not pose as an expert with all the answers.
I did not pretend to explain the mystery of God with eloquent speech and human wisdom.
I claimed to know nothing with certainty other than the reality that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who was crucified on our behalf.”
Now, how honest is that?
Paul was direct in manner and speech – without subtlety or evasion.
To be blunt, he was Frank!
Now listen friends, on account of God’s love for us, there’s no need to provide evidence for our self-worth.
It’s God’s opinion of us that matters, and in His eyes each of us are radically distinctive, without equal, impossible to replace, and deeply loved.
So, don’t puzzle-over being a Clever Dick!
And don’t assume that you know it all either!
Just be yourself.
Too many guys around us are trying to be someone else!
Apart from anything else, let’s have some fun learning from each other.
But above all, check you know the One who created your life.
Know the One who blesses your life.
And know the One who holds your life together.
Simples!
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
Philippians 3:12-14
1 Corinthians 2:1-2
Proverbs 3:5-6
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