Knowledge vs. Love

I read "Girlfriends in God" devotions almost every morning! They send me a daily devotions to my email and this mornings devotions just spoke to my heart. The story in the devotional I had heard before. Mary Southerland explains Knowledge vs. Love so well though after the story. This is what she says:

Knowledge – for the sake of knowledge – is worthless and can easily lead to pride and arrogance. But knowledge for the sake of love is priceless. In other words, no one really cares how much you know until they know how much you really care.

Knowledge is powerful and should be used in love and love should always be controlled by knowledge. God gives us the ability to understand the Bible and then wants us to use its truths to build each other up and meet the needs of others.

A preacher once said, “Some Christians grow. Others just swell.” Arrogance and pride are the result of knowledge that is misused. Knowledge can be a weapon of destruction or a tool of construction. It all depends on how it is used. We can know doctrine and never know God. We can grow in Bible knowledge but not grow in grace. We can attend church every time the doors are open but until we actually apply God’s truth to the way we live, something is lost in the way we translate the Good News of Jesus Christ.

I heard the story of four Bible scholars who were arguing over the best translation of the Bible. One said he preferred the King James Version because of its beautiful, eloquent old English. Another said he preferred the American Standard Bible for its literalism and accurate translation from the original text. A third man preferred the newer translations because of their practical application. The fourth scholar listened thoughtfully and then added, “Personally, I prefer my mother’s translation.” When the other men laughed, he explained, “My mother translates every page of the Bible into her daily life and it is the most convincing translation I have ever seen.”

I wonder. Do the people in my life better understand God because of the way I live? Is my life a living illustration of God’s love? Is the “Mary Southerland Translation” of the Bible authentic and real and pleasing to God? Lord, help me be Your Living Bible.

-Mary Southerland

God, I pray that I can gain knowledge in your Word but more than anything, I pray that I can LIVE OUT that knowledge! I pray I can show people you through the way I live: the things I say, the way I respond to tough situations, the way I treat people, the words I use...etc. I want people to look at me and my life and see you instantly! Help me to be a Christian that grows Lord, not a Christian that swells. I love you and I'm so thankful for your love and the example you set for us to follow! Help me to follow you... and only you.