Last week I have been posting this link to somebody else’s blog-post on 1 Corinthians 13. I just came across this blog. He has been writing one post on every chapter of the bible. I liked his idea and the post I recommended. Unfortunately the video attached is not available in my country and I could not listen to it.
Really I thought of writing another post on knowledge and love last week. I wanted to refer once more to the opening verses of chapter 8 in 1 Corinthians. So this is what I am going to do today.
“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.” (1 Corinthians 8:1+2/NIV).
I do not intend to write about sacrifice to idols. I just want to refer to this statement about knowledge and love.
We may know, study and learn many things. Yet this is not what really counts.
Some may begin to feel superior or even conceited because of their learning and knowledge. You may be aware of all things you know, but still be unable to lovingly apply your knowledge to particular problems and difficulties you are facing.
When others disagree with you, criticise you or disapprove of what you are doing, this makes you conscious of your own feelings sentiments and convictions. Perhaps you feel hurt. Maybe you just resort to emphasising the knowledge behind your beliefs.
Knowledge is only one thing. Our skill to handle what we know when facing challenges is another.
Let me give you an example. Suppose someone has been studying technical details of computer hardware. He may have answered examinations correctly. Yet the practical application is that which really counts.
If this person is unable to construct a computer that works properly his knowledge is limited. If a specialist cannot solve a computer problem, what he knows is not sufficient for this challenge.
I admit that computer technology is a highly specialised business. Hardly anybody will know everything. One will have to depend on the work and knowledge of others too.
Yet practical life is similar. People are different from each other.
Within the Christian church there are people from various walks of life and from different national, ethnical and religious backgrounds. Somehow they came to believe in Christ. If you ask why they became Christians, they may tell you various reasons.
People and Christian believers are scared of different things. What is a real threat to one may not be remarkable at all to another.
If you want to be great within the Christian church by biblical standards, don’t merely boast with what you know. The major question is if you can help others grow.
