Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White

1 Corinthians 8:1-3

"1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. 3But the man who loves God is known by God"

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Just when I think I know everything, someone asks me a question I can't answer. Here's one that humbled me recently:

"What is uglier that the devil, more beautiful than God, possessed by the poor, and desired by the rich?"

If you said "nothing", than you are smarter than I.

Sometimes on the ladder of knowledge, a man must be knocked down a step or two for him to realize how little he truly knows. The universe is a vast vault of secrets still undiscovered by the world's greatest thinkers.

In 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand that "know-it-alls" are like party balloons, all puffed up and full of themselves. Yet it only takes one simple question, one tiny pin-prick for someone's pride to be popped. Then everyone can see him as he truly is -- an empty windbag.

Paul further shares that loving God is more important than any amount of knowledge. "Love builds up." Knowledge can make you look good to others. Knowledge can make you feel good that others look up to you. This is a false sense of security. As we begin to believe we "know-it-all", we develop an arrogant attitude full of self-pride. Usually those with strong personalities and opinions have a hard time learning from others and listening to God.

We must crucify that sinful mindset. Love is more important than worldly knowledge. It is the way to grasp God's knowledge. We must love him and show his love to others. Be compassionate and loving to others. You will gain more ground with an attitude of love than with an attitude of knowing-it-all.

QUESTIONS:

1. Knowledge can be both a blessing and a curse. Give examples of each.
2. Have you ever been a "know-it-all"? If so, what were the results?

LIFELINE:

Recognize today that your knowledge, though it may be great, is like a grain of sand on the shore of all knowledge.

joe@menatthecross.org | Men at the Cross | 1353 Lake Shore Dr. | Branson | MO | 65616