Humble, Courageous, and Wise

In speaking with the Lord, Saul of Tarsus learned something which left him trembling and astonished. He learned he had been wrong! In attacking those who were of “the Way,” Saul had in fact been fighting against God (Acts 9:1-5). Notice the Lord says persecuting Christians is equal to persecuting Christ! Saul had been the enemy of the cause he thought he was championing (Acts 26:9; Gal. 1:13-14; 1 Tim. 1:12-13)!

Understanding that he was greatly mistaken, Saul asks “Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6). The question itself exhibits great humility, courage, and wisdom. I pray that each one of us would adopt the same attitude as we study God’s word. As fallible human beings, you and I will undoubtedly make mistakes. We falter in all areas of life and seeking to understand God’s will is no different, but how do we react to our mistakes? When long-held beliefs are challenged by what the Scriptures reveal, will we simply dismiss it? Or will we make the necessary correction?

Correcting mistakes shows great humility. It is important that we study the Scriptures with honest hearts and without preconceived ideas. Our focus should be on what the Bible teaches, not what some person told us it teaches. To get it right, we must be ready to submit. God's word should always be treated with the highest respect and as our only standard of religious authority (1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Correcting mistakes shows great courage. The next important step involves admission. We will never be able to make a correction without owning up to our error. The coward’s way is to deny any wrongdoing and shelter an unhealthy ego. The Edomites stand as an example of how a proud spirit will trick you (Obad. 3-4). We will be better students when we have the courage to overcome our pride. “Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall” (Pro. 16:18).

Correcting mistakes shows great wisdom. It would be foolish to continue in a way which you know to be wrong. Seek to be a lifelong learner who matures and develops in spirituality. This involves a proper fear of the Lord (Prov. 9:10; Ecc. 12:13) and a continuing desire for truth (Mt. 5:6; 1 Pet. 2:2). God tasks His followers with continual improvement for our own good (2 Pet. 1:5-8).

It can be quite painful to learn we’ve been wrong in our understanding of the Bible. Resist the urge to throw up walls around yourself. We should always strive to have the type of character God desires and remember that admitting when we are wrong is a sign of strength and readiness to improve. Let’s be humble, courageous, and wise!