We live in a world of image, ego, and selfie sticks. Social media allows us to hide the truth that we don’t have it all together. The worst place for this feeling (other than church)? Conferences.
Whether I go to a conference on writing, theology, broadcasting, or blogging, I fight the selfie stick syndrome. You probably do too. Smarter people are everywhere.
Here’s why it’s good for us to struggle with being around smarter people.
This week I attended the Evangelical Theological Society’s conference in Atlanta. I know, I know. That kind of conference sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry.
This conference put all the evangelical eggheads in one basket and scrambled them.
I did my best to stay sunny-side up. But after day one, I cracked. Here’s why.
When the people in the room are smarter than you, it’s easy to crawl in a shell of inferiority. Or—you can soak it up, grow, and learn. Like lifting a mental barbell—the stress makes you stronger.
Gatherings of smarter people make us better people for at least 4 reasons:
When was the last time you intentionally sought out someone smarter than you—and actually listened? Wayne Stiles
Also, conferences remind us how essential a good education is—especially for those of us in ministry. I see many young pastors, Christian leaders, and even laypeople serving God far less effectively than they could. Somehow they think their giftedness is all they need—or that the Holy Spirit will somehow give them what they lack. Neither is true.
The book of Proverbs says it simply:
The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)
The verses urge us to make getting wisdom a priority. In fact, it suggests we get it at all costs. Spend money on your spiritual life and on becoming equipped for effective ministry.
You don’t have to toss away your selfie stick. But neither do you have to hide in a shell of inferiority.
Go to conferences and classes and surround yourself with those smarter people than you. Learn and get sharpened so that you become more effective where God has placed you.
Tell me what you think: How do you feel around those smarter than you? To leave a comment, just click here.