Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up.” And Peter wrote in 2 Peter 1:5 that we are to “add to our faith goodness, and to goodness, knowledge.”
It sounds contradictory, but it isn’t. Peter wants us to add the knowledge of God who called us by His glory and goodness. He urges us to add the knowledge of our Savior and LORD Christ Jesus. When we add that kind of knowledge to faith we find ourselves well grounded.
Paul understood that also. Look at the admonition that follows his declaration that knowledge puffs up. “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” [1 Cor 8:1-3]
For Paul, knowledge and love are combined. The goal of knowing God is loving God and loving God means God knows us. God knows us! God doesn’t just know about us, He knows us – to the very depths of our being. His knowledge of us is wonderful. Remember what He said to Jeremiah? “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” [1:5]
I need never put on a mask when I approach my LORD. He knows me, knows all about me, knows what is behind that mask that I often wear around people to hide my true self. To Him, my true self can be displayed, in all its vulnerability, because I know His knowledge of me is greater than even my knowledge of myself. And it is always, in every way, cloaked in the love that is so deep He sent His very own Son to ransom me from sin and slavery.
Know me, Father! Amen.
