“Intellectualism is not so much a thirst for learning as a desire for a reputation of being learned,” wrote A. W. Tozer several decades ago.

Worse, using Mr. Tozer’s formula, is that there’s a type of piety that is “not so much a thirst for God “as a desire for a reputation of being” something or someone we are not.

In the words of a prayer in our United Methodist Hymnal, “Good Lord, deliver us.”

James 3:17 combines both learning and holiness and points us in this direction:

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;

then peace-loving, considerate,

submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,

impartial and sincere. 

By the grace of God, let’s live in that direction today.