Phil Bishop,
Exercise Physiology,
University of Alabama
[April 10, 2011] —
The fall of Adam; the tower of Babel; the golden calf. Connecting them all is what Augustine said “changed angels into devils” — pride.
Here in academia, most of our sins don’t merit inclusion on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. And yet… We academics are a proud people.
We give each other honor in the marketplace (see Matt 23:5-7), but then fiercely criticize each other when given the opportunity. We may be rightfully proud of God’s gifts to us, but unrighteously prideful of “what we have done for God”.
A Cure?
Is there a cure for Pride?
It is difficult to see the back of my head. Likewise, I am least conscious of my own weaknesses. I need a mirror to see what I can’t see. Or, my wife tells me what’s going on back there.
I can very easily see another’s pride. I can see in them what they may see in me, but what I don’t see within myself. I can help them, and they can help me.
Last semester, two of our more vocal Christian Faculty members got into a bit of an argument, right in the middle of our meeting. I was embarrassed and uncomfortable for myself and for others in attendance.
Shortly afterward I had a chance to chat with the aggressor in the brawl. He and I have a long-time relationship beginning from his arrival on campus. As we talked, I was able to gently point out his error of pride. He recognized his mistake and initiated contact with the other person, who responded with kindness and humility. The issue was peacefully and happily resolved.
Next Time
That time, I was able to see another’s error. Next time, I want someone to gently point out my own. In fact, that has happened numerous times in the past.
So, while pride is probably an incurable illness, endemic among us professors,I know of a palliative treatment, and it is fellowship. Not the fellowship of sitting around talking about sports, but the fellowship of koinonia, of sharing our lives openly and honestly with each other. God put us in community by His design, and, as our Creator, He knows the cure for what ails us.
While fellowship is such an effective treatment, I think finding genuine community is very difficult.
To “confess my sins one to another” is hard on my big ego. Being open to correction, or to correct a brother is tough. As I shared earlier, I was able to admonish my colleague because of our deep relationship. That requires plenty of cultivation, time, and a work of the Holy Spirit.
Fellowship with Christian colleagues on campus can be an indispensable asset in our Christian walks. If there is none where you are, why not be the catalyst to get a group started?
“He who isolates himself seeks his own desire;
he rages against all wise judgment.” Proverbs 18:1 (ESV)
© 2011 Phillip Bishop