For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance, and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’. – Holy Bible (St Mark 7: 21-23)
A WHOLESOME and wonderful New Year to all my readers. May God richly bless and prosper you and your families in every area of your lives. It is interesting that the last in my series on “open heart surgery” is also the first of my articles for the New Year with focus on arrogance and folly, two defects located in the “inner heart” of mankind. When in full operation these two weaknesses make the human being look less than beautiful in character.
Previously, I scrutinised some serious flaws that are resident in the human heart, namely: evil thoughts, sexual immorality, lewdness, theft, greed, murder, adultery, malice, deceit, envy and slander, the evidence of which is in our faces every day. These pollutants, which are the source of much of the moral sickness that plagues the world today, necessitate radical surgery that can only be effectively performed by the “inner heart” specialist, Jesus Christ. As you embark on 2016, it may be wise to understand the offensive nature of arrogance and folly and consider why “inner heart” surgery may be necessary for you.
Arrogance
Arrogance is described as “having or showing the insulting attitude of people who believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people.” Arrogant people are located in almost every profession and stratum of society. They often stand out like a sore thumb; their offensive attitude is often so strong that people try to keep a safe distance from them or when in their close proximity may seek an opportunity to get away as quickly as possible. Arrogant people seem to take pride in broadcasting what they possess, their academic and other achievements, their titles, and how good they are at what they do and say.
Years ago I met a well known man in society who spoke highly of himself and his “importance” to society. There was an air about him that seemed to suggest that others around him were less significant. All that arrogant individuals display on the outside exposes the mountainous insecurities that loom in the “inner heart”.
The late Richard Pryor, actor and comedian, sadly confessed, “There was a time in my life when I thought I had everything – millions of dollars, mansions, cars, nice clothes, beautiful women, and every other materialistic thing you can imagine. Now I struggle for peace.”
It is the peace that Richard longed for that the chief “inner heart” surgeon Jesus Christ gives when he replaces the infection of arrogance with the grace of humility.
Rick Pitino, a successful basketball coach, once said, “Humility is the true key to success. Successful people lose their way at times. They often embrace and overindulge from the fruits of success. Humility halts this arrogance and self-indulging trap. Humble people share the credit and wealth, remaining focused and hungry to continue the journey of success.” Profound.
My very good friend publicly spoke of being once possessed with the heart disease of arrogance. As far as he was concerned there was no one like him. Today he is an extremely humble man after his encounter with the Master Surgeon, and his family, friends and even foes recognise the radical change. Arrogance is a deadly disease but what about the toxic flow of folly (foolishness) that seeps out from the “inner heart” and contaminates the life?
Folly
Growing up as a child, I often heard my father say, “Common sense beat learning”. I never understood the wise expression until I got into my late teens and had to interface with certain intellectuals from different walks of life. It was then that the truth of my father’s statement made good sense, and it has not changed since.
Described as a “lack of good sense or normal prudence and foresight”, folly or foolishness seems to attract many faithful followers today, while wisdom, which is said to be an abundance of common sense, works hard to win willing fans. Jesus mentioned that the display of folly has its origin in a diseased “inner heart”. Like arrogance, folly is found at every level of society and has continued to retard some individuals’ latent gifts from emerging to reach their full God-given potential.
Someone once said: “The foolish are like ripples on water, for whatsoever they do is quickly effaced . . . .”
One key area where folly seems to gain many allies is in lack of preparation for family life.
I am amazed at the number of intellectuals who pursue academic excellence for many years in order to be gainfully employed but seem to have difficulty in investing in weeks of premarital counselling in preparation for their family life. Some of these same bright brains are prepared to spend several thousands of dollars and numerous man hours to have a wonderful wedding day at the expense of quality time in preparing for a lifetime of marriage. When these marriages fail, as some do, the question is raised: “Where did I go wrong?” Wisdom should dictate that marital status must never be at the expense of marital stability and solidity.
The wisdom of which I speak comes from the source of wisdom, Jesus Christ Himself, who cleans up the “inner heart” and helps an individual to be more inclined to act wisely not only in his/her family life but also in all areas of his journey here on earth.
The excellent superior qualities of divine wisdom that make an individual peace-loving, courteous, reasonable, compassionate, impartial and sincere, are found in the book of James Chapter 3, verse 17 of the Holy Bible. Such qualities, when applied daily to your marriage and family life, will greatly assist in fostering a healthy and cohesive society.
Arrogance and folly are not assets. They are liabilities. Get the divine wisdom because it has the kind of currency that will enhance your worth and value as well as growth and development in 2016 and beyond. Guaranteed.
• Rev. Haynesley Griffith is a marriage and family life consultant. Email: griffitharticles@gmail.com