Your overconfidence is your weakness.

Providence Church was privileged to be a part of the Fellowship of Reformed Churches' "Humble Orthodoxy" conference Saturday' where the theme was speaking the truth in love (cf. Eph 4:15). Since we also had a nice sized contingent from church, the good fellowship we had together was just gravy.

It was neat for us to concentrate on retaining and reinforcing our commitment to truth (i.e., "orthodoxy") while recognizing that we need to be gracious when espousing the "Doctrines of Grace" (i.e., "humility").

Too often folks fall into the trap of the false dichotomy whereby they are willing to speak the truth OR love, but not both, especially not at the same time.

But for those who understand (1) their own depravity and inherent unworthiness and (2) the grace that has been extended and exercised by God toward them, there is no room for boasting. There is no glory for the creature, only the Creator.

Being Reformed and a Baptist I often find myself immersed in circles of either theological or denominational pride, respectively. Both wear me out, knowing there have been godly & wise brothers & sisters who have contributed to the advancement of God's kingdom who were neither Reformed nor Baptist. There's nothing wrong with confidence and comfort with regard to one's theology and denominational affiliation, but there's a need for humility therein.

In humility we strive to apprehend truth and thereafter proclaim that which is true, but minus an air of arrogance. That lack of humility betrays a misplaced confidence, in one's self to capture truth. Such overconfidence is not a strength, but a weakness, when it comes to knowing the truth, let alone communicating truth to a lost and dying world. And we communicate that truth for the benefit of those who listen, speaking that truth ... in love (Eph 4:15).

All in all it was good encouragement to uncompromisingly stand for truth in a compromising world as we demonstrate loving humility, just as we have been loved.