For through knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. - 1 Corinthians 8:11
I like cop shows almost as much as my wife likes Hallmark movies, but (if I am being transparent) cop shows (like Hallmark movies) can also follow a familiar pattern.
For example in a cop show, the bad guys commit a crime, the good guys try to stop them, and inevitably one of the good guys (or someone related to them) gets caught up in the "crossfire." If this "someone" gets captured by the bad guys, these criminals will almost always come to a decision about whether or not the person should be released. It is at this point that an oft-repeated line is given, "We can't let him go. He knows too much." Well thankfully, life isn't a TV drama, but can too much knowledge be a dangerous thing?
Coming to a sure knowledge of one's relationship with Christ is a powerful experience. When such knowledge helps a Christ-follower fully experience everything that this world has to offer, the freedom that emerges (and becomes evident) is both intoxicating and attractive to those living outside our faith. There is nothing more appealing than a person who is in love with Christ, understanding the forgiveness that this relationship affords, and enjoying His gifts. On the other hand, if such knowledge leads a person to criticize and demean others within the body of Christ who have not yet arrived at this level of understanding or freedom, it is unattractive and harmful.
Paul "knew" that life with Christ Jesus was not about "rules," but he criticized those who lacked a caring compassion for those who still felt the rules applied. In fact, when in the presence of spiritual immaturity Paul chose not to offend by his knowledge or lead the immature person to sin against their conscience. None of us, whether or not we consider ourselves mature, may lay claim to possess any spiritual knowledge if such knowledge causes us to look down on others and in so doing behave as if we do not know Christ.
We are all ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. - Benjamin Franklin
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