Monday, September 10, 2012

Soft Hearts and Strong Minds


Academia was never my identity, but I strove to master it. I love books, heavy thoughts, deep and honest discussion, analytical and emotionally dissociated study, all of it. From my perspective, particularly before I came to ETBU, nothing was more important than knowledge: I need to be accurate, quick, well-versed. I have to have sound doctrine, a deep well of eclectic information, and an array of insights and experiences. I was (and admittedly still am) very intentional about forming my “tough mind”.

Yet, I've read 1st Corinthians. I have a hard time ignoring that pesky chapter 13. Without love, I am nothing. What Jonathan Edwards is so famous for is his superior mind, coupled with an incredible love for people and a broken heart before the throne of the Lord. He is accredited one of the greatest American minds to have ever lived, yet his ability to remain soft to the calling of the Lord and the ministry to which he was to work diligently and faithfully was what made him great. My greatest lesson (and it's still in progress) is one of softness. It's been easy to allow my mind to harden my heart to both my Father in heaven and to the people around me. But I'm called to something less natural, something more honorable, something Christ-like. I am to pursue my studies and soften my heart for the sake of the people around, ultimately for the glory of God.

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