Me:  Howdy, Prodigal!  Your friend has very big hands!

 

Prodigal:  Yes, everyone always ask about them.

 

Me:  So with those big hands, Can he throw a good punch?

 

Prodigal:  He sure can!  He is quite a dangerous fellow in a good ole fist fight.

 

Me:  Well then it would be very dangerous of me to insult him at all during this time.  Instead I think I will talk about knowledge today.

 

I am going to reference Chuck Swindoll in his book Growing Deep in the Christian Life, as he talks about the role of knowledge in our Christian walk.

 

1.  Knowledge can be dangerous when it lacks scriptural support-intelligent, biblical support.  Knowledge just for knowledge’s sake is a heady thing and can turn into pride.  God’s word frequently warns us about being full  of knowledge and feeling “puffed up” because of it.

 

2.  Knowledge can be dangerous when it becomes an end in itself.  God gave us His truth so that we may put it into practice, not simply store it up.

 

3.  Knowledge can be dangerous when it isn’t balanced by love and grace.  Such knowledge results in arrogance, which leads to an intolerant spirit…an exclusive mindset.

 

4.  Knowledge can be dangerous when it remains theoretical-when it isn’t mixed with discernment and action.

 

Well looking over this list, I can tell you that I am guilty of using knowledge in all these ways.  You know it didn’t help me.  It didn’t make my relationships better.  It didn’t make me feel better about who I was.  It didn’t satisfy me.

Knowledge is not wrong though.  We should not be ignorant.  Christians are not walking around being brain washed.  We just need a balance is all.  How do we glorify God, if we know every bible verse my heart but there is no love behind it?

 

1 Samuel 2:3

Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.

 

Jennifer Van Allen

 

www.faithincounseling.org

www.theprodigalpig.com