Confession: Broadcasting, Rather Than Covering Over "Wrongs"
Yesterday, as I was finishing preparation to teach Proverbs 10:12, Hatred stirs
up disputes, but love covers over all transgressions, I began turning to various books that I own in order to see how other, wiser brothers in Christ have understood the text. I turned to one particular book [I'm trying-- as much as possible-- to be intentionally vague here, for reasons that should soon become clear] and noticed that the verse was not listed in the Scripture index. Slightly annoyed, I posted a mild complaint about the book on Facebook.
The irony of the situation did not strike me until today. Now, my action in complaining on Facebook was not a direct contradiction of the text-- I did not feel "hatred" toward the author, I was not trying to start a "dispute," and the author certainly had committed no true "transgression" against me-- it was not as if I had cussed at someone while studying to teach Ephesians 4:29.
On the other hand, I DO think that I violated the spirit of the wisdom communicated in the text. I had the feeling of being slightly wronged by the resource in question, and instead of "covering over" this "transgression"-- in this case, by either turning away from my initial disappointment or by contacting the author privately (which my sound strange, but I know the author to be extremely approachable, despite being very busy)-- I broadcast my opinions on the matter. I subsequently deleted my comment, and got some helpful feedback from the author himself in a private message through Facebook.
I've noticed that this kind of situation is not rare in preparing to teach from the Bible. If I am planning to teach a lesson dealing with adultery, I will be tempted to lust. If I am planning to teach from a text dealing with unjust anger, I will be tempted to lash out at those around me. I believe that this is the principle found (for example) in Romans 7:21 at work, and it shows the need for vigilance, especially among teachers in the church, since we will be held to a higher standard (see James 3:1).
The irony of the situation did not strike me until today. Now, my action in complaining on Facebook was not a direct contradiction of the text-- I did not feel "hatred" toward the author, I was not trying to start a "dispute," and the author certainly had committed no true "transgression" against me-- it was not as if I had cussed at someone while studying to teach Ephesians 4:29.
On the other hand, I DO think that I violated the spirit of the wisdom communicated in the text. I had the feeling of being slightly wronged by the resource in question, and instead of "covering over" this "transgression"-- in this case, by either turning away from my initial disappointment or by contacting the author privately (which my sound strange, but I know the author to be extremely approachable, despite being very busy)-- I broadcast my opinions on the matter. I subsequently deleted my comment, and got some helpful feedback from the author himself in a private message through Facebook.
I've noticed that this kind of situation is not rare in preparing to teach from the Bible. If I am planning to teach a lesson dealing with adultery, I will be tempted to lust. If I am planning to teach from a text dealing with unjust anger, I will be tempted to lash out at those around me. I believe that this is the principle found (for example) in Romans 7:21 at work, and it shows the need for vigilance, especially among teachers in the church, since we will be held to a higher standard (see James 3:1).
Labels: personal
posted by Andrew Lindsey | 8:47 PM
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