The Runaway

As a child, I was so introverted that I barely spoke to anyone. The thoughts in my head were my companions, and the only friends I needed were in the books I read.

Because of my voracious reading, I had a good vocabulary, but since I seldom interacted with anyone, my word pronunciation was sometimes off. As I got older, I began talking with people more and was embarrassed about mistakes I’d made pronouncing words. I began listening to others, and in spite of my shame, I began asking for help with words that gave me trouble. Eventually, I gained confidence in my ability to communicate.

In a similar way, when I was a new Christian, I was often unsure of my interpretation of Bible passages. I was trying to learn on my own, but just as I had to swallow my pride and seek help to learn certain words, I had to fight my embarrassment and ask for guidance in understanding Scripture.

As Christians, we are a part of the body of Christ—the church, made up of all believers in Jesus. Throughout our faith walk, we need assistance to grow. We can learn much by reading and studying Scripture on our own. We also grow as we worship and study the Bible together with other Christians. And, sometimes, a question we ask may take the help of more knowledgeable Christians to grow us into a more mature faith.

We should not be ashamed to ask for help—the real shame would be in not asking. It takes wisdom to know when to seek help. • Diana L. Walters

• Were you ever embarrassed by things you didn’t understand?

• Check out James 1:5. God doesn’t find fault in us when we ask Him for wisdom. Should we be afraid to ask a trusted brother or sister in Christ for help?

Let a wise person listen and increase learning, and let a discerning person obtain guidance. Proverbs 1:5 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Jonah 1:1-10; Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 7:47