1 Corinthians 8:1b English Standard Version (ESV) This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.

Bloated ego is an insult but the term exists because of pride in knowing something valued as important. We must be aware that the reason we have spiritual knowledge in the first place is to build up others so that they too can share the good news of Jesus Christ.

Have we seen others that constantly talk about what they know and do not take the time to listen? It is off putting. When we disciple others we should be mindful that our first priority is to the Lord and His will in all matters. His examples are to be followed and this is just one.

The term “Jesus answered” appears in the New Testament 73 times in the ESV and 85 times in the KJV. It is clear that Jesus listened. One of the responsibilities of a teacher is to solicit questions from his students. It is their questions that reveal if the lessons are effective.

Bloated egos do not want to hear from others. They love the sound of their own voice. They may very well be knowledgeable but that does not mean they are loving. Loving is the goal. Disciples that feel loved are more likely to absorb the lessons of love.

One of the goals of this loving care is to be a resource for the Lord. Do this so others will recognize us as a resource but beware of becoming “the answer”. When we become “the answer” it will become easier to just answer rather than to say “let’s discuss it”.

The questions they have about our Lord are just the leading edge of something going on inside. It is their thinking that reveals their struggle and their struggle is what needs to be addressed.

Genesis 25:22 English Standard Version (ESV) The children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is thus, why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

1 Corinthians 2:16 English Standard Version (ESV) “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Do not be misled by the thoughts that come along with “We have the mind of Christ”. The previous words should make the distinction between our thoughts and His thoughts. We are to receive instructions from the Lord.

Now to deal with our thoughts and in this we must be very careful to identify our own thoughts verses those thoughts that come to us by way of faith with instruction.

John 7:16 English Standard Version (ESV) So Jesus answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me.”

We are to disciple others and this verse tells us that we are to share His thoughts and not our own.

Acts 17:18 English Standard Version (ESV) Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.

It is expected that the teachings of Jesus, His thoughts and His ways, are to be seen by the unbelieving world as the rambling thoughts of a deranged mind. They do not know Christ, they do not have access to His mind.

We who believe have access to His thoughts but that does not give us license to use our thoughts as a replacement for the instructions we have received from the Lord. Our confidence needs to remain in our Lord and not in our knowledge.

1 Corinthians 8:1b English Standard Version (ESV) This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.