When I was in school, most learning took place via memorization and what’s now known as the visual learning style. If you were blessed with a good memory (as I was), had a mostly visual learning style (as I did), and liked to learn new facts (as I did), you generally got good grades. Note that I can’t take credit for any of these. They were part of my “package” when I arrived in the world.
A problem developed when I did start taking credit for these. Since I wasn’t popular socially, wasn’t pretty, and lacked self-confidence, I bolstered my self-esteem by tying it to the only thing I had–my academic achievements. I thought I was better than other people because I got good grades and they didn’t. (I cringe as I type that now; it is so way off-base, so foolish and arrogant.)
I didn’t understand that a person is born with certain aptitudes and skills not to lord it over people, not to think she is better than others but to develop and use those aptitudes and skills in the service of other people. A person highly-motivated to learn could become a teacher, for instance, putting his enthusiasm into the hearts and minds of others.
I apologize to people I looked down on. I was wrong and I know people were hurt by my attitude.
A few Scriptures: “…knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” I Corinthians 8:1 (NIV), “…(God’s) love does not boast, it is not proud…it is not self-seeking…” I Corinthians 13:4, 5
©P. Booher
Country Ripples 
I completely understand what you are saying Peggy, for I was the same as a young man. I wasn’t popular but I excelled at school in literature. I was very proud and puffed up. Praise God though that He saw fit to save me and begin a work of Grace in my life. He is a loving Father who can save us even from ourselves. May He continue to guide and bless you each day sister 🙏
Yes, God is able to save us even from ourselves! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I suspect we are all prone to take pride in our strengths and look down on others who do not share them. The flip side of this is being jealous and envious of others–those who have the gifts we want but don’t have. Sadly, I’ve been guilty of both. 🙏Heavenly Father, forgive me for my pride and arrogance. Please help me to remember that simply being your child is enough.
Yes, we do need God’s forgiveness and help to remember that our self-esteem needs to come from being His child. Any other way doesn’t give us the peace and joy we desire. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thank you Peggy ! 😊
You are an inspiration !
Thank you for your kind words.