Godly Incompetency

Dr. Mike 2024, , ,

Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.   Acts 18:24-28

Whenever I become aware of my false propensity that I got it all together, a smirk crosses my face. That is when I look into the mirror of Christ. Yep, compared to HIM, I am one incompetent student of HIS.

The illusion of competency for the moment quickly dissipates.  Though we have matured and are becoming more like HIM in character and worldview, we still have a long way to go.

Ask any knowledgeable professional in their field. The more they read. The more they study. The more they realize how little they know compared to the potential out there. The same is true for us apprentices of Jesus.

Yet HE doesn’t belittle us. HE doesn’t make us feel incompetent when we are with HIM. Instead, HE is rooting for you and me. HE wants us to succeed in life.

When times get hard, HE is there with us. When we experience a moment of success, HE is there with us. When times look bleak, HE is there with us.

HE is waiting for us to invite HIM into the conversation. HE doesn’t force HIMSELF into our lives. HE wants a mutual relationship where both sides enjoy the experience.

The older we become, the more we realize how unrighteous we naturally are. We may want to do good, but how often we fail to act on it. We may want to say the proper words at that moment to encourage a fellow saint, but our tongue is tied. Worst yet, the words that come out cause more damage than before.

In studying the life of Jesus, we marvel at HIS ability to ask the right question, share an appropriate story, and leave his audience with their heads spinning in joyful contentment. Many times we do just the opposite.

Though chronologically we are consider old, our spiritual maturity is that of a two-year old. My emotions still get the best of me. My stogy habits of yesterday still haunt me. I know change is possible. But is the effort worth the cost?

These thoughts crossed my mind this morning. As a professional manager I would fire incompetent people. The organization could not afford their repeatable errors. Yet in God’s Kingdom, His grace abounds. HE simply moves us into other areas of life where we can make a more positive difference into the lives of HIS children.

It sort of like volunteering in church. They don’t fire you for incompetent work. Instead, they keep moving you around until you find your giftedness. Then they watch you bloom. The same it is in God’s Kingdom. The more we lean on HIM, the more of HIS character and traits rub off on us. HE knows where and what is best for you and me. HE wired us. HE knows. HE is allowing us to discover the answers as we walk with HIM.

Apollos didn’t have it all together either. Yet he spoke what he knew. Was open for correction. Learned from others. And kept on letting the world know about Jesus. A lesson for you and me to do the same.  

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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