Knowledge Surpassed

“Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.  But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (ESV)

I love learning.  I love researching, seeking knowledge, and problem solving.  Sometimes while I work out at the gym, I’ll listen to a sermon or podcast seeking knowledge and better understanding.  One recent morning I was on an elliptical exercise machine listening to a sermon on 1 Corinthians 8.  Sometime later a person comes in and starts exercising on a machine two machines away.  Above the sermon coming through earbuds I suddenly hear loud exuberant laughter.  I look over and see it’s the person two machines down staring intently at the television on their exercise machine.  A short time later I hear, “Run run…Ohhh!” 

In my mind my first thoughts (thoughts of which I’m not proud) are, “That person is interrupting my ability to understand this passage.  Don’t they know that I have to facilitate a Bible study and reflect on this passage in an email for an entire church?  They’re probably just watching a trashy sitcom.”  I realize the Lord has taught me more in an instant than I likely would have gathered from an hour long sermon.  Talk about knowledge puffing up, imagining that I know something, and not knowing as I should.

How do I love my brothers and sisters and what should this love look like?  It’s not about me willing myself and resolving to love others more.  In fact it’s not about me at all; it’s about loving God first and foremost. 

“I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—  that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Romans 9:1-3 (ESV)

These incredible words were also written by Paul and I’m absolutely stunned each time I read them.  Surely Paul must be exaggerating, but verse one clearly tells us he is not.  The whole thing is unexplainable apart from Christ.  How does Paul go from persecuting Christians to a place where he’s willing to be cut off from Christ for the sake of his lost brothers?  Have I ever loved like this?

Father God fill us with a love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

Todd