From: August 13, 2024
“This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know” (1 Corinthians 8:1-2 ESV).
The Corinthians felt that they had superior knowledge about things such as food offered to idols. They knew that the idols weren’t real and they felt that they had freedom in Christ to eat meat sold from these pagan temples. Yet Paul warned that “this knowledge” by itself would make them prideful. Indeed knowledge without love is dangerous to the soul for it “puffs up” its possessor. It gives one a big head when what is needed is a bigger heart.
Paul goes on to say that those who “imagine” that they know something often don’t have the wisdom to handle such knowledge. We’ve all encountered the one who spouts off with complex words, but can’t explain things in simpler terms. This is often the clue that they don’t know as they “ought to know.”
Knowledge is good, but love is better. Love is really superior knowledge. For knowledge by itself puffs up, but love builds up. Love knows how to handle knowledge. so that the one whom love addresses is edified and built up.
As Paul says later in his letter to the Corinthians, “If I understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” Knowledge without love is worthless. As someone has said, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
PRAYER: Dear Father, we’re so thankful that You have not only revealed Yourself to us as the all-knowing God, but first and foremost as the One who loves us. For it was Your love that moved You to send Your Son to save us and to give us eternal life. Fill us with Your love for others today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: August 13, 2023
“Be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:9 NLT).
Our freedom in Christ does not relieve us of our responsibility to lovingly consider others, especially new believers. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he was concerned about those who felt free to eat meat offered to idols without consideration of those who would be tempted to sin by doing the same.
The city of Corinth was known for its temple to Apollo. The Apollo Temple was the most prominent building in the city. In addition, overlooking the city was an acropolis upon which stood a temple to Aphrodite. Animal sacrifices were offered at both of these temples. The meat was then sold to local butchers in the Corinthian market place, who sold it to their customers. Even though as Paul pointed out, these gods were not real, those who grew up in Corinth might feel disloyal to Christ by eating the meat offered to Apollo or Aphrodite. For this reason, he said, “If it causes your brother to sin, then don’t eat meat” (1 Cor. 8:13).
Our freedom to live according to our conscience and knowledge is to be limited by our responsibility to love others. In an age when unlimited personal freedom is celebrated, where are its limits? Shouldn’t parents limit their freedom to provide a safe place for their children? Shouldn’t the strong restrain their freedom to protect the weak, and the mature limit their liberty to love the young? As someone once observed, we have a Statue of Liberty on the East coast, what we need is a Statue of Responsibility on the West.
PRAYER: Father, we thank You for the freedom we have in Christ. But this freedom is marked by Your love. It is freedom from sin, not to sin. It is freedom from sin’s slavery that we might live freely in and for Christ. Empower us this day by Your Spirit to live for Jesus. Let our freedom be guarded by Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: August 13, 2022
LEARNING TO SAY NO TO THINGS THAT DON’T MATTER
Nehemiah knew when to say “Yes” and when to say “No.” He was focused on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and he didn’t have time for distractions, especially for those that meant him harm.
Learning when to say “No” may be one of the most important leadership traits, as many leaders struggle with being people-pleasers. Great leaders let their God-given vision direct when to say “Yes” or “No.” This guards them against being stopped or slowed by detractors, no matter how influential the naysayers may be. Nehemiah knew that he was “doing a great work” that was given to him by God. He didn’t have time for critics who weren’t helping with the work. Especially since he knew that they were against the work itself.
Saying “No” to those things that don’t contribute to God’s calling on your life makes room in your life for saying “Yes” to those things that do truly matter.
Have you learned when to say “Yes” and when to say “No”? Let the Lord guide you in this.
PRAYER: Dear Father, direct us today by Your Spirit, O Lord. Teach us when to say “Yes” and when to say “No.” We do not want to waste our days. Strengthen us to do Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: August 13, 2016
Our existence is “from” and “for” God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. He made us for Himself. As Augustine said, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee.” Do you know the One to whom you belong and for whom you exist? Come, and find perfect rest and purpose in Him.
From: August 13, 2015
A leader learns when to say “Yes” and when to say “No.” In fact, learning when to say “No” may be one of the most important leadership traits, as many leaders struggle with being people-pleasers. Great leaders let their God-given vision determine when to say “Yes” or “No.” This guards them against being stopped or slowed by their detractors, no matter how influential the naysayers may be. Nehemiah knew that he was “doing a great work” that was given to him by God. He didn’t have time for critics who weren’t helping with the work. Especially since he knew that they were against the work itself. Saying “No” to those things that don’t contribute to God’s calling on your life makes room in your life for saying “Yes” to those things that truly matter.
From: August 13, 2014
What “strengthens” the church? Love. This does not discount the importance of knowledge, nor of good doctrine in the church. But it does clarify their priority. Love is superior. Let love guide and motivate the use of knowledge. As Paul said in Eph. 4:15, “Speak the truth in love.” An old cliché suggests, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Let others know that they are loved, then perhaps they’ll ask about the reason. Knowledge may win arguments, but love wins hearts.