There once was a popular phrase - educated beyond one's intelligence. I thought it was catchy at the time, and had a grain of truth. All sorts of information crammed into one's head and no understanding of how to make use of it - what a dilemma! Perhaps it could have been better stated to say that one was educated beyond one's maturity, since the wisdom to use information comes with experience and obsevation. However, the phrase has disappeared, but the push behind it has not. We strive and strive for information, not knowing how to rightly handle it, and in so doing we ignore the sources that can enlighten us and mentor us into maturity.
In the "good" old days, we were taught to listen to our elders. We learned a trade from a master craftsman. We called the leader of our country, MR. President. A gentleman rose when a lady entered the room. What changed all of that, anyway? Do you suppose that in our rush to acquire education, we became too intellectual to honor wisdom and maturity? Is there a connection here? It makes no intellectual sense (to the immature) to apply ettiquette to a situation. Why stand up for another person, listen to a slow talker, learn from a non-techno person or add MR. to a sentence?
Sadly, there are many reasons not to honor elders and those in authority - corruption, abuse of power, molestation to name a few. However, are we not commanded to honor our parents and give respect to those in authority? Could it be that the scriptures address this very thing when they speak of loving those who are unlovely? Jesus said:
Mat 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same?
Mat 5:47 And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so? So, it would appear that we have things upside down again. Worldy wisdom has a propensity for flipping things like that. Perhaps if we honor the office of parent, governor or pastor, persons of character would be more inclined to take on their God-given destinies and step into these roles. What do you think? Ask God to show you where you have accepted ungodly thoughts in this area. You'll be glad you did!
