Bernard of Clairvaux was an advocate of a balance between reception and transmission. Sometimes it is wise to resist the temptation to pour out the musings of the heart and mind. It is wise to take time to linger in reflection. It is good to gently examine what one is learning and experiencing, for some things are about one's own formation. When you learn something new, it may be best to savor the new for a while before communicating it to others.
What have you received lately that is, in fact, for you -- accept it with gratitude! Absorb it!
What has filled your heart and mind to overflowing? Where might it benefit the "others"?
An extract from: Great Devotional Classics: Selections from the Writings of Bernard ofClairvaux, ed. By Douglas Steere (The Upper Room, 1961).
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We must not give to others what we have received for ourselves; nor must we keep for ourselves that which we have received to spend on others. You fall into the latter error, if you possess the gift of eloquence or wisdom, and yet—through fear or sloth or false humility—neglect to use the gift for others’ benefit. And on the other hand, you dissipate and lose what is you own, if without right intention and from some wrong motive, you hasten to outpour yourself on others when your own soul is only half-filled.
If you are wise therefore you will show yourself a reservoir and not a canal. For a canal pours out as fast as it takes in; but a reservoir waits till it is full before it overflows, and so communicates its surplus . . . We have all too few such reservoirs in the Church at present, though we have canals in plenty . . .they (canals) desire to pour out when they themselves are not yet inpoured; they are readier to speak than to listen, eager to teach that which they do not know, and most anxious to exercise authority on others, although they have not learnt to rule themselves. . . . Let the reservoir of which we spoke just now take pattern from the spring; for the spring does not form a stream or spread into a lake until it is brimful . . . Be filled thyself then, but discreetly, mind, pour out thy fullness . . . Out of thy fullness help me if thou canst; and, if not, spare thyself. -- Bernard of Cairvaux
An extract from: Great Devotional Classics: Selections from the Writings of Bernard ofClairvaux, ed. By Douglas Steere (The Upper Room, 1961).
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2 comments:
Yes! This happened to me the other day with something I knew before but struck right between the eyes. I learned what I needed to learn for the day. Others who were listening to the presentation I was listening to probably got something else out of it but I got what God needed for me to hear. I've been thinking about it for days now. Cool how that happens. Thanks for the reminder to dwell with it!
How true. How beautiful. How timeless. Reminds me of John 15 and that abiding in Christ is sometimes receiving, sometimes giving, sometimes learning, sometimes reflecting, etc.
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