There are times when the study of books, even scripture, is such a focus in our lives as students, we tend to lose the proper perspective on our purpose here, (which is to love other people). This perhaps is one of my greatest struggles. It is a subtle temptation when we are deceived into taking a good thing (acquiring knowledge) and elevate it above the best thing (love). This is what makes possible the greatest of evils - because all other good things can be used for a bad purpose (charisma and charm can lead people astray, knowledge can be used for the wrong purpose, etc.). But genuine love can never be used for an evil purpose.
For this reason, the below quote is a warning to myself and perhaps anyone else who may be tempted to put knowledge, or their church, or family or self, above the virtue of love:
"We may come to love knowledge -- our knowing -- more than the thing known: to delight not in the exercise of our talents, but in the fact that they are ours, or even in the reputation they bring us. Every success in the scholar's life increases this danger. If it becomes irresistible, he must give up his scholarly work. the time for plucking out the right eye has arrived" (Lewis 57).
- C. S. Lewis. The Weight of Glory. New York: HarperCollins, 1949.
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1 comment:
Right on brother! I was having the same exact thoughts about 5 minutes ago while I was driving home. I was asking God for forgiveness because I've hoarded everything He's given me, knowledge included. It's time to go out and love.
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