Last week we considered what it means to add goodness to our faith. This week’s “add” is knowledge.
One of the things I’ve learned in my study of the Word, is order is not an accident. Peter doesn’t instruct his readers to add knowledge before they add goodness.
The Apostle Paul warns the Corinthians: We know that we all possess knowledge…but knowledge puffs up. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Knowledge is desirable, but alone: it’s dangerous!!
Without goodness knowledge is often wielded to humiliate, intimidate, or alienate others, not for what God intended it to be: a tool to build and bless and serve others.
Goodness renders knowledge beneficial rather than impressive.
Peter also is clear that we are are to add knowledge, not opinion. We have to know the truth, and be sure truth is what we’re standing on and for.
As I was thinking about how knowledge can puff up and the importance of truth over opinion, I began thinking about my marriage. After 36 years my husband and I know the pain that comes from acting like we “know it all.” We have learned the value of a heartfelt apology and staying open to learning.
I love when I can learn something new about my husband. It keeps our relationship fresh and growing.
God wants us to have that same attitude in our relationship with him. We can never learn it all, but we can commit our entire lives to trying.
What are you doing to add knowledge to your faith?
(Thanks to Mark Buchannon and his book “Hidden in Plain Sight” for these concepts about knowledge.)
Pot of Manna 
You are right, Tina. Knowledge without goodness becomes cruelty. Proverbs tells us over and over to seek wisdom not knowledge.
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But we are also told to add to our goodness knowledge. Peter instructs later that we are to grow in grace and knowledge. This knowledge isn’t just about something…it’s about knowing someone: our loving Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!
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