Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3) (NIV)
In the Winnie the Pooh story by A. A. Milne, Rabbit suggests they cure Tigger of his bouncing by losing him in the woods overnight.
“Oh, we'll find him again next morning, and mark my words, he'll be a humble Tigger, a sad and small Tigger, an ‘Oh, Rabbit, am I glad to see you’ Tigger. And it'll take the bounces out of him, that's what!”
The plan backfires, and it’s Rabbit himself who gets lost. He comes out of the long night humbled from his pride.
When it comes to nonessential theological doctrines, I feel like Rabbit. I used to be confident of my beliefs and critical of those who differed. What came out of my mouth was intended to win debates rather than honor Jesus.
Students of theology are soon faced with the thorny disagreements that have plagued church history. Our limited human intellect leaves us thrashing in brambles far removed from God’s path.
From outside the thicket, I hear Jesus searching for me. I need only follow his voice, return to the simple gospel, and let him bring me into the fullness of grace.
I went into the forrest of nonessential doctrines with an attitude of “I have answers that will unbounce others.” I’m coming out of those same woods a broken Rabbit, an “Oh, Jesus, am I glad to see you” Rabbit.
Prayer: King Jesus, may humility close my mouth except to glorify you.