Popping the Balloon
Today’s scripture selection: First Corinthians 7-8
Key verses: First Corinthians 8:1b
When the apostle Paul set out to counsel some fellow believers on the Christian life he had his work cut out for him. Not only did he have to deal with all the cultural influences that might sway new believers from their newfound life of faith; he had to deal with plain old human nature.
And so it’s no surprise that at one point he had this to say:
“We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
How true.
One of the surest ways we can get in trouble with each other is by trying to prove how much we know about any given situation.
Sure, it’s helpful from time to time to share our “know how” with each other. We all can use a helping hand.
I, for instance, don’t know a carburetor from a radiator. Well, that might be a bit of an exaggeration – but you get my drift. I’m no mechanic. So when my van starts making weird noises – which it does frequently – I head straight for the mechanic I trust. I highly value his knowledge about engines.
On the other hand – too often we offer each other un-solicited advice – when what we really need to offer is a helpful, loving, listening ear.
“Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.”
We need to pop the balloon of building ourselves up by sharing how much we know (or don’t know) about life. Instead, we can do much by simply offering ourselves to one another – as listening ears; as supports; as fellow pilgrims in the walk of faith.
Prayer: Lord, help me to quietly listen to others in need, without trying to “fix” their problem. AMEN.
