Nature vs. nurture: the age old debate rages. Be it musical talent, criminal activity, or sexual orientation; that timeless equation comes into play. Consider “Learned behavior”, a phrase referenced in the science of Psychology, and observed in the laboratory of life. At the risk of stealing my own thunder, it is likewise a concept occasionally spoken in my sermons over the years. Read on, and see what you think. And, don’t worry, I’m not going to get on any soapbox or take a controversial political stand. That, I save for another time.
Four Learned Behaviors in the arena of character, come to mind:
- Patience. Nobody has to teach you to be impatient. It comes naturally. From infancy we want what we want, and we want it now! Think about this. The only way to learn patience is…..wait for it…. to wait! Scripture references are too numerous to cite. The best I can offer is that patience is listed as one of the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. If you are a regenerate believer, the indwelling Holy Spirit is producing patience, and as you cooperate, you are learning it.
- Obedience. Ever notice, you don’t have to tell a child to disobey. They’ll do it on their own. And, if left unchecked, they will repeat and up the ante. One way emerges to embrace obedience: learn it. I stopped counting Bible verses addressing obedience when I hit 100. Apparently, it’s a big deal as far as God is concerned. It certainly was for Jesus. Consider this instructive glimpse into His life from Hebrews 5:8, “…although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered.” In our Christian walk, God loves us enough to teach us to obey.
- Compassion. When you see homeless, or a despondent person holding a cardboard sign at a stoplight, what is your first reaction? Is it disdain, skepticism, guilt, or compassion? Each may be grounded in fact and experience. The latter is founded by our higher nature. In Scripture, Jesus was often, “moved with compassion”. Are you?
- Prejudice. This one stings a bit. Watch kids. When they are playing with others of a different race and culture, they either don’t notice, or don’t care. Innocence prevails until some “enlightened” adult comes along and forcefully informs them that they are not to treat “those people” with dignity and respect. Hatred is generally an acquired trait. Capacity to love is innate. (A vestige from the Imago Dei.) Ponder this instructive and inclusive morsel from the Word, “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female; but all are one in Christ Jesus.” In that verse, you have just read the secret to deflate hate.
We are all learners on this journey of life. Jesus said, “take my yoke upon you and learn from me”. I know of no better teacher.