There are two different kinds of certainty: talkative and mystical.
Talkative certainty is mostly bravado, overstatement, doctrinal conclusions, and a rush to judgment. It tends to talk a lot and always tries to convince others. There is a lot of anxiety and a compelling need about being right. Talkative certainty tends to be rude and even unkind because it is so convinced it has the whole truth.
Mystical certainty is fully truthful, but humble. It does not need to compel anyone to be convinced or converted. It’s a tranquil, collected presence, which Jesus possessed entirely.
The mystics are always quiet in the confidence of possessing access to truth that endlessly unfolds. The word mystic comes from the Sanskrit “mū,” which means being hushed to silence. When we come before the mystery of God, we are muted, because we know it is beyond words, beyond any kind of rational certainty. Our notion of God is never completely understood because if we can comprehend it, it is not God.
If we use religion to ennoble the self, we will end up being proud and dishonest.
The people who grow in truth are humble and honest. Humility and honesty are really the same thing – grace from God’s presence, grace from truth.
James 4:6 “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
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