Do you KNOW EVERYTHING?

 

I love that I am a new pastor. I don't consider myself an expert in FAITH. That may not be a good thing for some. Yes, I have a MASTERS degree in Biblical Studies. I have a lifetime of personal study and lifetime of personal experiences to help guide me as a PASTOR. I really think those experiences are just as valuable as any degree. BUT, I DO NOT KNOW EVERYTHING. Even after 65 years of life, I am learning SOMETHING NEW every day. THAT is also true when it comes to SCRIPTURE. It made me think about all of that when I was reading Paul's letter to the church at Corinth. 

"But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn't really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes." (1 Corinthians 8:1-2, NLT)

I have heard someone say, "We do not need another BIBLE STUDY!" 

So many people are desiring more and more knowledge, but their LOVE for GOD and their love for PEOPLE needs a lot of work. KNOWLEDGE is helpful but our relationships with GOD and with PEOPLE is so much more important than knowing chapter and verse. That is what DISCIPLESHIP is all about. 

The great commission tells us to GO and MAKE DISCIPLES and we have confused that with GO and gain more KNOWLEDGE. Those two things are not the same thing. As a matter of fact, NON-believers don't care what we know, they want to know if our walk matches our words. That is why later in 1 Corinthians 8, Paul says this:

"So, If what I eat causes another believer to sin, I will never eat meat again as long as I live - for I don't want to cause another believer to stumble." (1 Corinthians 8:13, NLT)

I want to make sure my actions match my beliefs and I have to be cautious not to cause others to stumble and fall. MY ACTIONS are so important. They are much more important than my KNOWLEDGE of STUFF. 

Heavenly Father, I need your constant help and guidance making sure I am representing you as I should. Help my actions to match my words and my words to match YOUR WORDS in all that I do. Let me be a light to others and a beacon for your LOVE, GRACE, and MERCY. In your Holy Name I pray! Amen!