Thanks for chiming in.

I realize this is not what you were talking about in this article. As people are growing, they do need praise to help give them confidence. But I think the title of the lesson is missing something if you say that we are not to guard anyone’s humility. We need to be careful about putting stumbling blocks before our brethren and leading them into pride is just as bad as leading them into any other sin.

I also believe that the father should be a “guardian” of his children’s humility. Although I am not a father, I remember that my father always encouraged us to be humble (still does) — this is not the same as tearing us down.

Sorry I never comment when I agree with everything.

God bless,
Joel Williams

Gayle, thanks for adding your perspective. I’ve also read the Bradshaw book, but it was sometime last year. I need to get it out again and read it. I think your assessment is correct. I think you hit the nail on the head when you bring up the idea of shaming someone into obeying. When we do that in the congregation, we are not helping someone grow in Christ. We are forcing them to conform to us.

One of the big problem is we think that we have discovered all truth and if someone even remotely questions it, we fear for them and start trying to get them back in line using any means we can. In this way even noble goals are destroyed by improper means. I know it is scary letting everyone question and pursue their questions. We are afraid we will lose control and the church will be thrown into anarchy. However, we need to learn to trust God and the truth. His gospel really can save honest people who question. We just need to let God do His work through the Gospel.