Now about
food sacrificed to idols: We know that
“We all possess knowledge.” But
knowledge puffs up while love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Did you know that God’s best for us
doesn’t always involve having more knowledge?
Take for example the Garden of Eden.
God forbid Adam and Eve from eating from the tree of knowledge of good
and evil. Why? Because Adam and Eve were in such close union
with God that this additional knowledge of good and evil would have actually
hindered them instead of helping them.
As Christians, our focus needs to be on
staying in God’s presence through continually setting our mind on Him, not
gaining more knowledge. Don’t get me
wrong, knowledge is important, and we should read and study to show ourselves
approved (2 Timothy 2:15), but our main goal should be cultivating intimacy
with our heavenly Father and growing in love.
More love is always better than more
knowledge.
Besides, knowledge gained by our
efforts can be overrated. Don’t forget,
Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit who will “teach us all things.” As we pursue fellowship with God above all
else and keep our thoughts on Him, His spirit will reveal deep truths from
God’s heart. On the contrary, head
knowledge without love will lead to striving and feelings of self-pride,
leaving us unchanged.
When it came to God’s law, the Pharisees
were among the most knowledgeable of their day, but they didn’t recognize the Messiah
standing in front of them - the same Messiah they read about so many times in
scripture. Their lack of love caused
them to miss Love made flesh.
There’s an important lesson to learn
from the Pharisees - we can have knowledge, but still miss the heart of God.
Knowledge puffs up, but like anything
filled with air, it can be easily deflated.
But true supernatural love that flows out of an intimate relationship
with God will edify and build up to last an eternity.
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