When we are young or immature, right theology makes us feel superior, but when we are older and more mature, a study of theology makes us feel inferior and unworthy, undeserved, and grateful.
The value I see in statements such as this is not that we hold truth less certainly as we grow older, but that we grow in our compassion and skill in sharing the truth.
I know this could be construed as more ‘Truly Reformed’ bashing and navel gazing, but it’s not.
We all have to grow in maturity, just as we grow in knowledge.
Consider Paul’s exhortation to Timothy:
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
2 Timothy 2:22-26
I suppose one could question whether Miller’s words and actions toward his critic demonstrate a sense of superiority or humility, but we’re all works in progress.
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