“But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him” (Daniel 5:20)
How can God get through to us when we are so set in our ways and wise in our own conceits? The mind of Nebuchadnezzar was hardened in pride. Saul of Tarsus thought he should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. (Acts 26:9) Both of these men were “too smart for their own good” and had to be brought down to the earth.
The first chastening of God takes place in our minds. We no longer deem ourselves so smart. We become like a dumb beast. We accept God’s designation as sheep. We are to begin our new life in God like blind Saul, praying: “Lord, I don’t know a thing. What am I to do? Show me Your ways. Teach me Your paths.”
The worst thing that can happen to us after we get saved is that we become quickly indoctrinated in the traditions and teachings of men. Dogmas tend to harden and puff up our minds once again.
Pride has no place in a believer’s mind. We are not to glory in what we know but in Who we know. If we are to know anything as we ought, God Himself must carefully add to us His word that is tried seven times in the fire. Meekness and lowliness of mind will insure we are being taught of God. Crawling is not a bad idea for a baby Christian.
“The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.” (Psalm 25:9)