Devotional: Knowledge versus Faith

1Timothy 6:20-21

“O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”―which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you” (1 Tim. 6:20-21, NASB).

When I started my studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary I begin to formulate in my mind things that I wanted to accomplish in ministry. After all, I was passing up an opportunity to get a Masters degree in Nursing. The VA would pay tuition and books and I would receive full salary even though I would be required to work only a few hours each week. However, I had some lofty goals for myself in ministry: a Ph.D., author, and Christian Educator.

Things did not go my way. I was patient but the goals that I sat for myself did not materialize. I begin to pray about the long delay. I asked God what was taking place. The Lord never answered my questions directly. However, as time passed and I did the ministry God called me to, I begin to realize that God wanted me to have a different kind of education from that of seminary studies. Instead of gaining in knowledge, I am free to grow in faith. I am learning how to use my knowledge to minister to others.

Prayer: Lord Jesus I thank you for allowing me to come into your classroom to learn what you teach me. You teach truth and the truth makes me free. Amen.