David Bahn – Reflections

Isaiah 5:21 (NIV)

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

1 Corinthians 13:2

If I understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

Perhaps you know someone who thinks he hung the moon; someone who knows everything, understands every mystery, is able to see through all deception, and clearly is aware of his unique status. No one else is able to stand up to him. No one else has the wisdom he has. Perhaps you know someone like that. It’s unlikely that you are best buddies.

Maybe there is a political candidate who is like that. Perhaps he speaks for you. Maybe you aren’t best buds, but he is your best hope: someone who will straighten out all those yahoos in Washington, or someone who will stand up to all the special interest groups. He doesn’t so much say what you want to hear; he says what you want to say.

Danger! “Woe to those,”  Isaiah says “who are wise in their own eyes.” Too many times I have seen the champions of curmudgeonry rise to prominence only to see them taken down by those who put them there in the first place.

Whatever else you might say about the current political climate – especially and notably the Republican presidential candidate debate last night (2/25/16) – Dr. Ben Carson’s line was likely the line of the night. He said, “Would someone please attack me?!?” The most respectful, and probably the most intelligent, a man of high character, and strong Christian values will likely not be nominated for President. But based on what I see, and on what is told us in 1 Corinthians 13, he is not nothing (pardon the double negative).

Humility and love don’t win debates. But these attributes further the cause of the rule and reign of Christ; they give testimony to his rule and reign in our hearts whenever we display them.