Christian Pitfalls: Intellectualism

As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9 (NIV)

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot comprehend it.

Psalm 139:6 (NASB)

My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.

Psalm 131:1 (NIV)

But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

2 Corinthians 11:31 (NKJV)

I interpret “intellectualism” as a dependence on the intellect.  Consequently, many intellectuals refuse to trust what they can’t understand.

I believe every great gift or talent has great potential to help– or to harm.

  • TO HELP… If it’s used for God and the greater good, then it glorifies God and lifts others.

  • TO HARM… If it’s used for self-centered ambitions, then it glorifies self and harms others.

Consider some obvious examples: 

  • Selfish beauty creates strutting show-offs, who crave attention and inspire envy.

  • Selfish strength creates bullies and roosters, who crave dominance and lack compassion.

  • Selfish knowledge creates proud know-it-alls, who crave submission to their opinions.

Without any doubt, God hates intellectual puffery, as the misuse of a wonderful brain.

Isaiah knew it. King David knew it, and Paul knew it, too! These heroes were great thinkers and writers… but they dared NOT think they understood God.

Actors, models, and talent Christ:

I’ve seen your bright minds. Your Father knows they’re crucial requirements to navigate your field’s fast-paced demands.

I’ve seen your great faith.

But…

When doubts assault you (in times of fatigue), don’t believe seemingly “logical” lies… even if they seem quite “reasonable.” Because God’s reason defies man’s logic.

Instead, in faith, do “double-time” with God. In His Word. In prayer. In fellowship. In praise and in plain-spoken confession– among godly friends you’re wise to maintain.

The Mind of Christ WILL restore your right mind (contrary to popular opinion).

Christian Pitfalls: Intellectualism (Part 45)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban