In our Christian faith, knowledge will never be enough. I have seen it in my own life where knowledge only brings pride or judgement. So, knowledge alone is dangerous and one of the main causes for church splits. However, knowledge is extremely important because it is the beginning of growth.
When we read the bible with an open heart and mind, we gain knowledge. Do not be satisfied with only that. With knowledge as our only tool, we can argue any point we wish. We will also hurt each other in the process. If we add understanding to knowledge we gain ground towards wisdom.
Example: knowledge is like milk. It is good, but if we mix and churn it, it becomes butter. In my family butter is the elixir of life. The only thing better is bacon, but I can’t come up with an analogy for that.
The Holy Spirit is the one who churns knowledge into understanding. Then He takes our understanding and churns it again into wisdom. The sad thing is most people desire only the knowledge. That’s because wisdom is gained through experience and sometimes pain, making patience a necessary ingredient in the process. The challenge is that most of us want an answer today, not in a year’s time or even longer. Yet, wisdom is earned through trial and by faith. So, hang in there and let the Spirit do His work!
Now, the real beauty is that once wisdom has a firm grip on your soul, righteousness is born. We understand how to treat people correctly. We know how to listen, and we only say what is right and good. Instead of arguing with others we speak truth in love. We actually become valuable to others’ lives.
James 1: 2-4 (ESV) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith brings steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Let me ask you; Would you rather be right or righteous?
No analogy for bacon, that is funny. Good one bro.