Know It Alls
Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness. Hebrews 3:8 (NIV)
Have you ever been labeled as a know-it-all? There were two distinct times when I probably carried that title: high school graduate and college graduate. Those were the times when I thought I had my life by the tail and knew I had the energy and smarts to prove it. Jeanette Levellie (Mornings with Jesus) gently warns us about this character flaw.
One of my goals this year was to teach our granddaughter, Grace, to drive. She’s a great kid and very smart. Which is what worried me.
The first time out, I instructed Grace on the basics, showing her the location of each item on her steering column, which were the gas and break pedals, and how to adjust her rearview mirror.
In a fifteen-year-old’s version of politeness, Grace explained that she’d already learned this in driver’s education. I refrained from a snippy comment and continued my lesson with the actual driving instruction.
Although we had planned on a thirty-minute session, Grace was finished in fifteen. “It’s harder than it looks, huh?” I said, failing to keep the smugness out of my voice. But then I remembered Jesus.
Sometimes He must remind me of the basics. Be nice. Forgive. It’s not all about you. I sigh and think I don’t need this—I’ve already learned it. Oh really?
Sometimes His Word convicts me of what I think I’ve already learned. I listen to gossip. I overate or overspent or talked too much. I think, I know, I know. But do I really?
Do I forget that Jesus is smarter than I am? Do I act as if He doesn’t know the best way for me to do life? If so, I’m behaving like a fifteen-year-old who doesn’t want to listen to anyone who has been around for fifty years and has already taught four teenagers to drive, thank you very much.
Sorry, Lord. I’m listening now.
FAITH STEP: If you, like me, have acted like a know-it-all teenager, ask Jesus to forgive you. Next time He tries to teach you something, listen.
Glorious God, thank You for Your love, guidance, and patience. You claim us in the midst of our childishness and, we never hear You say, “I told you so!” Help us to be more humble and more like You. AMEN.