Tag Archives: Pride

Ignorance is bliss?

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1 Corinthians 8:1
We know that “We all possess knowledge.” But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.
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This passage has been taken by some to justify ignorance or lack of formal training because “knowledge puffs up”. Obviously the Lord’s intent here is not to bash “knowledge” or training. Elsewhere, particularly in Proverbs, the Bible speaks so highly of knowledge and wisdom as a treasure. Proverbs 8:10 – “Choose … knowledge rather than choice gold.”  Paul even laments those who have a zeal without knowledge (Romans 10:2) and encourages study (2 Timothy 2:15). Yes, Jesus used “unlearned and ignorant men” (Acts 4:13) but he also chose Paul, one of the sharpest minds perhaps of all time and Dr Luke, a gentile, to write the vast majority of the New Testament.

Yes, God will use any available vessel, even a donkey, but Ecclesiastes tells us that education sharpens the tool and you can cut down a bigger tree with less effort if you take time to sharpen the ax.

Don’t minimize the importance of study and knowledge. It will not replace relationship but the more I know about my wife, the better my understanding of who she really is and not just who I think she is, the deeper our relationship can grow. Proper knowledge with a proper heart attitude can increase the depth of my relationship with the Lord just as it does in human relationships.

So what was Paul talking about here? The answer, as usual, is found in carefully reading the entire passage and putting this phrase in its proper context. But I’ll have to save that for my next post.
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2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Ecclesiastes 10:10
Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade.That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.

I Did It My Way!

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1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
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Ever hear anyone claim they are a “self made man”, that no one helped them get where they are today, that they accomplished their success all on their own? What a silly, self centered idea. Their mother, even if she was a horrid one who abandoned them at birth, certainly could tell you she put some hard work, some “labor”, into their existence. After that someone fed them, changed their dirty diapers, tried to educate them. All along the way there have been those who have made their success possible.

And then there is God who gave them life, breath, a functioning body and brain. Without His gifts, which we so casually take for granted, this “self made man” would not, could not even exist.

This passage reminds us that though we certainly had to use what was given to us, the fact that we have anything is a gift from God. The fact that we could work, could think, could eat, could breathe, even that we were formed in our mother’s womb in the first place and were given life, it is all a gift from God and if our abilities and talents are a gift, then what room do we have to boast about what we were given?

What a great passage to kindle humility in each of us but also to develop a heart of gratitude.

Thank you Lord for allowing me to see the light of day, for giving me the health and life I have. We all have struggles and things aren’t always the way we would like them to be but we do have the presence of mind to at least think about it. Some have not even been given that gift to be able to recognize who or what or where they are. We have much to be grateful for. Let’s make this a day of gratitude … and humility.
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Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.