Is Ignorance Preferable?1 Corinthians 8:2-3
Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.
Thoughts for Today:In Matthew 23:24, Jesus reprimanded the prideful Teachers of the Law and Pharisees: "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." In the same way, some of the Corinthian believers defended their right to eat meat sacrificed to idols even if it meant offending others. Those types of misplaced priorities can only happen when we place knowledge above love.
In our passage today, Paul says that if knowledge has led to pride, then we haven't learned what we need to know. Learning must always lead to the building of character, not just greater levels of edification. However, throughout the process, our relationship with God is the most important thing. Nothing can take its place. So if any pursuit of knowledge leads us away from knowing God, then ignorance would be preferable. Paul tells us the most important goals in life are twofold: First to love God, and second to be known by Him. Not just acquire knowledge.
Questions to Ponder:When we lose our character in pursuit of knowledge, then we are much poorer in God's sight. We hold little value to our fellow man. Therefore, what we know is a lot less important than Who we know (speaking of the Lord). Do you know a lot about God, or do you really know Him? Can you recite an abundance of Biblical history and genealogies, or do you practically apply God's Word in love both at work and at home?
Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.
Thoughts for Today:In Matthew 23:24, Jesus reprimanded the prideful Teachers of the Law and Pharisees: "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." In the same way, some of the Corinthian believers defended their right to eat meat sacrificed to idols even if it meant offending others. Those types of misplaced priorities can only happen when we place knowledge above love.
In our passage today, Paul says that if knowledge has led to pride, then we haven't learned what we need to know. Learning must always lead to the building of character, not just greater levels of edification. However, throughout the process, our relationship with God is the most important thing. Nothing can take its place. So if any pursuit of knowledge leads us away from knowing God, then ignorance would be preferable. Paul tells us the most important goals in life are twofold: First to love God, and second to be known by Him. Not just acquire knowledge.
Questions to Ponder:When we lose our character in pursuit of knowledge, then we are much poorer in God's sight. We hold little value to our fellow man. Therefore, what we know is a lot less important than Who we know (speaking of the Lord). Do you know a lot about God, or do you really know Him? Can you recite an abundance of Biblical history and genealogies, or do you practically apply God's Word in love both at work and at home?
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