SPIRITUAL - KNOWLEDGE PUFFS UP

What a blessing it is to converse with brothers and sisters in Jesus about our walk with Him. Yet, we frequently stifle one another in doing so. I observed an example of this only a few days ago when I witnessed one brother sharing with another something that he believed the Lord had directed him to do. The receiving brother abruptly responded, “I don’t believe that! God would never tell us to do that?” What happened? The conversation immediately stopped and I could feel the unity between those two brothers in Christ begin to shut down. This approach eventually destroys not only our fellowship with one another as members of the same Body, but eventually our fellowship with God.

When someone shares a biblical opinion that is differing from our own, why do we often respond as though we have it all figured out and that they must be out of their mind? God’s response to such a prideful person is this, “Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge” [Job 42:3]. Until Jesus returns, we all have only partial knowledge [1Cor 13:9]. Paul is saying to those believers who think they have it all figured out, “… we all have knowledge; however, what good is it if it is used for intolerance rather than for the welfare of our brothers and sisters” [1 Cor 8:1-2].

Conceit of knowledge is evidence of ignorance.
Knowledge that swells the mind tends to hurt others.
- J. I. Packer

Paul told the conceited Corinthians, “Knowledge puffs up … The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know” [1 Cor 8:1-2].

He that knows most best understands his own ignorance, and the imperfection of human knowledge. He that imagines himself a knowing man, and is vain and conceited on this imagination, has reason to suspect that he knows nothing aright, nothing as he ought to know it. It is one thing to know truth, and another to know it as we ought, so as duly to improve our knowledge.… And those who think they know any thing, and grow fain hereupon, are of all men most likely to make no good use of their knowledge; neither themselves nor others are likely to be benefited by it. - Matthew Henry

It seems that the Body of Christ would profit if we would all admit that we don’t totally understand God or the fullness of His Word. What would happen if we were to make a practice of saying to one another, “May I share my understanding of this issue at this point in my walk with Jesus? I do desire God’s truth and believe that all believers have a portion of it. Therefore, I am open to your perspective.”

The one who recognizes that the things of God are too wonderful for him to know [Job 42:3] will listen patiently to his brother, offering assurance that what he is presenting is worth hearing and prayerfully considering.


Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie