We are obsessed with measuring, quantifying, and labeling.
The minute a child is born—literally the first minute—we give him a TEST!
The APGAR test allows nurses to evaluate a newborn’s health by examining his Appearance, Pulse, Grimace (reflexes), Activity, and Respiration. The APGAR test is given one minute after birth, and again five minutes after birth. What happens next? We measure the baby: how long is he and how heavy is he? Then we hand him to Mom and Dad and they count the fingers and toes.
From the moment a child is born, everyone measures everything. We measure reading ability, geography knowledge, whether he “plays well with others,” fluency with languages or mathematics, talents, personality, and more. We are obsessed with measuring. But some measures are meaningless. The APGAR test saves lives. But me? I like to look up how tall people are on television. Could anything be less important?
Unlike height, most are convinced intelligence is important—some would say intelligence is the most important thing about a person.
As soon as Intelligence Quotient or “I.Q.” tests were invented, they became “all the rage,” and we evaluate children by the numbers: an I.Q. below 70 traditionally indicates mental retardation (now re-categorized as “well below average”); an I.Q. of 100 is supposedly average; and an I.Q. of 140 traditionally denotes a genius.
The truth is, you don’t need to know your I.Q. number. Your intelligence fluctuates anyway. But there are two things you must know about intelligence.
First, you can improve your intelligence by using it.
Just as you can strengthen muscles with exercise, you can strengthen your mind by challenging it. Read harder books (okay, read ANY books). Watch deep films. Work puzzles. Talk to more smart people—and try to follow along. Never let boredom or frustration discourage you. KEEP TRYING! Your I.Q. will go up with use and effort.
Second, intelligence is NOT as important as integrity and a good heart.
Evil people make mistakes because they do not realize their sin is clouding their judgment. Satan himself made a huge blunder: he crucified Christ, not realizing God would use the cross to redeem millions of lost souls. Satan is smarter than any man, but his hatred caused him to misread the situation, to misread scripture, and to misread the heart of a loving God.
The point is, even the most brilliant will make mistakes because of sin. Geniuses will misread situations, circumstances, human nature, and more when they are blinded by sins such as pride and a lack of integrity.
Remember: you can improve your I.Q. by exercising it. (Read books!) But remember that integrity and a heart for God are more important than intelligence.
If you work hard and steward your mind, Jesus promises to help: “The Father will send the Holy Spirit and He will teach you ALL THINGS and remind you of everything I have told you” John 14:26.
Read John 14.
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