Knowledge's Team Mates!

Knowledge by itself may not be beneficial. For some, knowing facts simply puffs them up with arrogance and pride. (note 1 Corinthians 8:1) It is possible to know things without knowing them as one ought. ( 1 Corinthians 8:2) Then there are those who always seem to be learning, but are unfortunately still unable to come to a knowledge of the truth. ( 2 Timothy 3:7) One can merely become a highly educated fool if they are unable to rightly apply what they have learned.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae he noted his prayer offered on their behalf.
“(9) And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING, (10) so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” ( Colossians 1:9-10 ESV)

What knowledge we are gaining should be considered. There are many facts we could come to know that may equip us more for winning money on the “Jeopardy ®” game show than anything else. We could fill our minds with lots of trivia, but for what life benefit? Paul’s focus here was on their becoming filled with the knowledge of God’s Will. However, is that knowledge alone sufficient? There are people who are able to quote many verses from the Bible who do not live in a manner reflecting that knowledge. Reciting and truly knowing can be two greatly contrasting things. Paul accompanied the prayer for these Christians being filled with knowledge with all “SPIRITUAL WISDOM” and “UNDERSTANDING.” UNDERSTANDING the Will of God enough to possess the WISDOM necessary for rightly applying it for practical living is what reflects truly knowing as one ought to know and therefore provides the foundation for being able to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.”

May we recognize the inseparableness of this threesome: KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, and UNDERSTANDING. Working together in connection with the Will of God we will be equipped for living in a manner that reflects we do truly know as we ought! May that knowledge continue to increase so that our fruitfulness to God’s glory may do so as well.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING KNOWLEDGE’S GODLY PARTNERSHIP!
Carl

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