IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW, IT'S WHO YOU KNOW
- Key Verse
We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not know as he ought to know. But the man who knows God is known by God. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3 NIV)
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Central Truth
Sometimes, the longer we are Christians, the more knowledge we build up and forget our original purpose: to love God and truly know Him in an intimate relationship.
Reflections
I am a know it all. In matters of the Bible, I like to think I can whip out random factoids and trivia with the best of them. I'm married to a seminary student, my dad is a "professional Christian," and wouldn't you love to know that one of our favorite family activities on childhood road trips was Bible trivia?
The older I get, however, and the more unimpressive my knowledge turns out to be, I realize that maybe it's not about what I know. Maybe, just maybe, it's about Who I know. Growing up I retained a lot more useless facts about the Bible than about the One who authored it. Which is fine for a baby Christian. But I'm verging on a 25 year relationship with my Savior. I should know Him the way long-term married couples know each other. Do I? Or do I just know what I ought to do, who I ought to be? Do I not know Him as I should?
This passage challenges me to become built up with love for my Father and His children, not become puffed up with knowledge. Knowledge is a fun part of being a Christian, but it's not enough, and it's not everything. My actions show more about what I know than my words. I need to spend more time getting to know my Heavenly Father, and less time being a know it all.
Discussion Questions
1. How well do you know your Father? How much time do you spend with Him?2. What can you do to get to know Him better?
3. How can you show your love for the Father not in words, but in actions?
Jon Majors
May 10, 2010 07:31 AM
What a wonderful writing Erin. There have been times I have had a head full of Jesus and a heart full of nothing for sure. I was struck with the thought that it doesn't take much knowledge, if any, to Glorify God.
michelle key
May 10, 2010 09:01 AM
I appreciate your open, honest and vulnerable take on this verse Erin. That is truly what this life is all about. Knowing and loving Him fully. then ultimately we can become the person He intended us to be! Peace and Grace, michelle
Leigh Ann
May 10, 2010 10:13 AM
I, too. am surrounded by "learned men and women" I spoke to this exact concept in a morning meeting. God counts the "heart" knowledge, not the "head knowledge
Gary Brandenburg
May 10, 2010 10:49 AM
From your bio it sounds like you have gotten to know your Heavenly Father pretty well.
May 10, 2010 10:50 AM
Well said Erin. Thanks for the reminder. Julie
Bob Breunig
May 10, 2010 10:53 AM
Erin..Great word!...you are so right...in a place like the good ole' USA where "information is an endless stream" it becomes obvious that some of these deeply held faith axioms can be in conflict with the Word.. we were having Mother's day dinner with our kids (who are about your age) last night the conversation happily drifted to spiritual things and we concluded in unison that what "we Think we know" about our faith is sometimes kind of puny....... it quickly became evident to all of us that we are trapped in times and cultures and that our belief systems can become distorted and there are only a few things that really matter...The life, deity, death, and resurection of Jesus...and that is the knowlege worth holding on to...Thanks Erin
Jo Ann
May 10, 2010 11:55 AM
You are absolutely right. WE should be very careful to not be learning Bible facts without knowing our Saviour personally.
Mitzi
May 11, 2010 05:38 PM
Catching up on my journey...Feel like I'm repeating what I wrote on Richard's earlier today. This was excellent. I appreciate that you think "knowledge is...fun.." Me, too! However, knowledge without relationship is not very helpful when difficult times arise. Thanks for the encouragement to "know" our heavenly father intimately.
Mike Brewer
May 14, 2010 08:27 AM
I sometimes worry how limited my knowledge is and that I might fail at communicating the Word. Thanks for reminding me the Truth and knowledge is accepted in my heart and is designed to be passed on the same way. God bless you and your family