Knowledge is Nothing

One of my favorite things in the world to do is teach the Bible. I love teaching and preaching to children, students, adults, large groups, small groups - anyone! What I love most is connections. I love how God's activity is woven into the fabric of humanity's experiences in the Old Testament. I love how the whole Bible tells the story of Jesus, how each story fits into the grand story of redemption.

However, if I stop there, I have a problem.

"And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2 ESV)

Even if I knew every connection and every fact, if I understood and had great wisdom, it would not be enough. Knowing what God has done in the past may help me to see what he is doing in the present. However, if all that information does not lead me to live out my faith, to Love God and Love Others, then I personally have nothing of value - "I am nothing."