Humble Hearts

Reading: 1 Corinthians 8; Psalm 134

2 But sometimes our humble hearts can help us more than our proud minds. 3 We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3 MSG)

Humble hearts or proud minds? Among the Christ-followers in Corinth there were some who felt they were real “pros.” They were free from idol worship, they had taken all the classes, they knew the “deeper truths”, and they could sail right through the “Is this right or wrong?” and “Is it OK to do this?” questions without batting an eye. Other Christians were uncertain, confused, and still struggled with these issues.

Paul pointed out that:
• Nobody has it all figured out but God. He’s the only one with all the answers.
• Their arrogant attitude could seriously damage new believers and people who were still struggling with these issues.

This brings to mind Paul’s clear admonition to the churches in Galatia:

13 It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. 14 For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. (Galatians 5:13-14 MSG)

Humble Heart or Proud Mind? It’s absolutely essential that you and I remember that we are steeped in a culture that values knowledge (proud minds), but Jesus said that the Kingdom of God belongs to little children (humble hearts). How are you doing with the Proud Minds – Humble Hearts thing?

It’s not what you know, it’s what you do with what you know!

Prayer:

Father, I purpose to follow my humble heart and not my proud mind. I affirm that the things I know are for the benefit of others and not only for myself. Don’t let me arrogantly flaunt knowledge in a way that confuses or hurts someone else. I humble my heart before you. Amen.