A couple of years ago I attended a class in cabinet making. It was a small class with only five students, so we all got to be very hands on as we assembled our cabinet project. One of the guys showed up with the requisite gear plus some extra doodads he found in a woodworker's catalog. It was all brand new, and was stored in a cordura and leather "craftsman's" tool tote. He had special gloves made for handling rough lumber and the most expensive safety glasses and hearing protection available.
What became evident very quickly was that all of his knowledge of woodworking had come from watching shows on the DIY network. He had never actually operated a circular saw, but he talked incessantly of exotic woods and dovetail joinery. He was a pain in the neck and slowed down the pace of the entire class. The class was designed for beginners, but he didn't want to admit he was a beginner. He wanted to make everyone believe that he was an expert.
I have met people in church like this guy. They have gotten all their theological training on television. They have never shared their faith with anyone in a coherent manner, but they talk incessantly about end-time events and connect obscure verses from the minor prophets to current day legislation. The gospel can easily be shared very effectively by a beginner, but when a person tries to pass himself off as an expert, he comes across as a pain in the neck.
The person who is transparent about his level of understanding and who is diligently seeking to gain knowledge through study and practice will become a skilled tradesman. Start doing the things you understand well, and the more difficult things will come easily at a later time. But throughout the process you will be respected for being genuine.
No comments:
Post a Comment