One of the greatest verses of Scripture is I Corinthians 13:2. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”
We have all seen great scholars able to answer any theological question. Perhaps we ourselves are excellent students of the Word able to give Bible studies without any media devices to project texts on a screen. We have been taught to go from text to text building doctrine and feeling good that we know “The Truth.” There is almost a temptation to think that truth saves. The more we know, the surer is our grasp on eternal life. Being “righter” than some other group means we are closer to the Kingdom. While I certainly do not want to put down on study and properly discerning the Word of truth, it appears that Paul does not think this is the most important aspect of being a follower of Jesus.
I am under the impression there will be many great scholars lost. Truth is important. But truth does not save. Jesus saves. When we allow that to happen wonderful changes begin inside our being. Selfishness begins to transform into care for others and relationships change. Characteristics of God go from bud to blossom and people are blessed by our presence. Rules are replaced by principles and as Paul intimates, if I have love I’ve finally become somebody. And who is that somebody? That somebody is the best thing in the universe. We become sons and daughters of the living God.
Written by Roger Bothwell on Sept. 2, 2008.
Photograph by Sebastian Voortman.
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