Oct
09
2007
The Virtue that Should Best Characterize All Calvinists
The virtue that should best characterize all Calvinists is humility.
I emphasize “should.” Unfortunately, that is often not the case. Let’s admit it. Those who are Reformed (and many of us who lean that way) are sometimes known for our arrogance, snobbery, pride, know-it-all attitude and theological sniping. Load, aim, fire. Find those who are wrong and convert them.
Something is wrong here. Why is it that some who fervently espouse the doctrines of “grace” do so without showing any? Why is it that the doctrine of “unconditional election” – that God has saved his undeserving people – why is it that the doctrine best suited to strip away all remnants of human pride, merit, and boasting instead makes us proud, arrogant, and puffed up?
There are times I shake my head and wonder why this humbling theology sometimes produces pride instead of humility. I not only see it in the lives of others. I battle the pride and ungraciousness myself.
Ironically, I find the explanation for this problem in Reformed theology itself. It’s sin. It’s depravity. It’s Satan’s relentless attempts to turn something good into something useless. It’s my sin nature creeping into my theology.
So often, I fail. I become proud of the fact that salvation has humbled me. I boast in the fact that I have no reason to boast. I praise myself for having discovered there is nothing praiseworthy in me. I take glory in reading theologians who point me to the glory of God.
Then, once again, I’m driven to my knees. O restless, wandering soul… return to your Maker! Stumble up the hill and fall at the foot of the Master’s cross! Let the Savior’s warm drops of blood sprinkle over your mind and heart until the last pockets of pride are dissolved and his image is clearly seen!
Humbled. I am humbled again. I know that Pride will be back. The battle is not yet over. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through Christ Jesus!
written by Trevin Wax © 2007 Kingdom People blog