Phil Bishop,
Exercise Kinesiology,
University of Alabama
[November 13, 2011] —
Some of the best theology I have learned came from Hollywood. Yep, that first Dirty Harry movie in 1971 did as much for my Christian worldview as any Christian speaker I have ever heard. Clint Eastwood said it this way, “A man’s just got to know his limitations.”
Many of us in academe struggle to admit our limitations; we may prefer to be seen as superhumans, much to our detriment. I am painfully aware of some of my own flaws.
I am not very approachable. I rarely have students come to my office to share their personal crises. I am ego-centric and irritable at times. I seem to have no sensitivity to details. I confuse myself with God at times. I am limited even in comprehending God, yet God graciously reveals more of Himself day by day, event by event, Bible verse by Bible verse.
Uncharacteristic Admission
It shocks some folks that a professor does not comprehend God, and it is more shocking when one of us admits it. Of course I am limited in my understanding of nuclear physics, of string theory, and of lots of things much simpler to understand than God. But thanks be to God I recognize my limitations — some of them, at least.
Why is that valuable? Henri Nouwen observed, “It is easier to be God than to love God.” Perhaps the greatest benefit from recognizing limitations is knowing that perfection is not expected or required of me. Dirty Harry was right! I am limited in the impact I can make on students or colleagues, but acting in the power of the Holy Spirit has no limits.
Frequently I still forget my limitations, and my ego takes over. Might this be a common problem among our atheist colleagues; are they simply blind to their limitations?
Irresistible Love
Remarkably, with all my own inadequacies, I definitely respond to love. “Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 NIV) Jesus taught love by word as well as deed. I have found that many colleagues are loved into the kingdom, but arguments are rarely heard.
When a tornado tore through Tuscaloosa last April, I contacted a Christian colleague to offer help, then quickly followed up with an offer to an atheist friend. I’m limited in arguing others into the Kingdom despite my “great” intellect. God’s love through me in the sacrificial, or even in the smallest acts of kindness, has unlimited power.
We have just got to know our limitations —there is a God, and His power is unlimited: “This is what the LORD says:
‘Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
or the strong boast of their strength
or the rich boast of their riches,
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,’
declares the LORD.” (Jer 9:23-24)
(c) 2011 Phillip A. Bishop (c) istockphoto