Rare Skills and the Fruit of the Spirit
In his blog post Rare Skills, Morgan Housel explores three powerful abilities that are as rare as they are transformative: respecting others' delusions, knowing when to stop, and concise communication. As I read his insightful observations, I couldn’t help but draw a connection to the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22–23. Each of Housel’s skills has a corresponding spiritual quality that aligns with God’s transformative work in our lives.
1. Respecting Others’ Delusions: A Picture of Patience and Kindness
Housel suggests that respecting others’ delusions means understanding that everyone, including ourselves, is shaped by their experiences, biases, and blind spots. This rare skill mirrors the patience and kindness of the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:2, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” When we acknowledge our shared human frailty and extend understanding rather than judgment, we reflect the humility and gentleness that comes from the Spirit. This doesn’t mean condoning falsehood, but it does mean approaching others with compassion, recognizing that, like us, they are navigating a complex and broken world.
Questions like “What haven’t I experienced firsthand that leaves me naive?” remind us to look inward with humility before casting stones outward. The Spirit works in us to replace self-righteousness with empathy, transforming our interactions into opportunities for grace.
2. Quitting While You’re Ahead: A Lesson in Self-Control and Faithfulness
Knowing when to stop—to leave the table still hungry—is a rare skill that Housel ties to the wisdom of restraint. This aligns beautifully with the fruit of self-control.
The Spirit enables us to say, “Enough,” even when more is within reach. Whether it’s in work, relationships, or pursuits of success, self-control guards against burnout and overindulgence. Faithfulness reminds us that God’s provision is sufficient and that our value isn’t tied to how much we achieve.
Philippians 4:11–12 speaks to this balance: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” This rare skill challenges the cultural narrative of endless striving and invites us into the restful assurance of God’s sufficiency.
3. Getting to the Point: Gentleness and Clarity in Communication
The ability to communicate concisely, as Housel notes, is an art. It requires respect for others’ time and attention, which parallels the gentleness and clarity the Spirit cultivates in us.
James 1:19 advises, “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” Great communicators don’t overwhelm their audience with unnecessary words; instead, they offer clarity and focus. In the same way, Spirit-filled communication prioritizes what edifies and encourages (Ephesians 4:29).
Clarity in speech reflects a heart that treasures truth and seeks to bless others, not impress or dominate. Treating words as precious commodities aligns with Jesus’ instruction to let our yes be yes and our no be no (Matthew 5:37).
The Spirit’s Work in Rare Skills
Housel’s Rare Skills remind us that what the world values as wisdom often aligns with the Spirit’s transformative fruit. Respect for others’ journeys mirrors patience and kindness. Knowing when to stop demonstrates self-control and faithfulness. Communicating clearly reflects gentleness and a love for truth.
As we cultivate these rare skills, we lean into the Spirit’s work in us, not for self-improvement, but as a witness to God’s grace at work in our lives. Let us strive not merely to acquire these skills but to allow them to flow naturally from a heart transformed by His Spirit.
Credit: This blog post draws from Morgan Housel’s insightful article, Rare Skills (August 10, 2022). His reflections provide a valuable framework for considering how spiritual growth translates into practical wisdom.