Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in 1 Corinthians chapter 8:
1 Now about food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge [concerning this]. Knowledge [alone] makes [people self-righteously] arrogant, but love [that unselfishly seeks the best for others] builds up and encourages others to grow [in wisdom].
2 If anyone imagines that he knows and understands anything [of divine matters, without love], he has not yet known as he ought to know.
3 But if anyone loves God [with awe-filled reverence, obedience and gratitude], he is known by Him [as His very own and is greatly loved]. AMPL
In the above passage, Paul provide us a stark comparison of knowledge without Love. That person many have knowledge and understanding but he is still missing the vital aspect of Love thus he does not know as he ought to know. What is the point of having knowledge without Love? If you are an avid student of Scripture, you must see everything written through the eyes of Love or you will fail to see the purpose of what is written. This is true of the gifts of The Holy Spirit as well.
Could this be why many of the televangelists of the 70’s and 80’s were found to lead private lives in direct opposition to what they were publicly preaching? Once found out, they thought they could easily repent and continue to run their money-making machines. That was not to be. They damaged many unsuspecting new believers with their compromising acts. Thankfully, FATHER is not moved by men who lead two distinctly separate lives.
We are warned against taking such paths and we must not allow ourselves to be moved by those who do. The remnant will simply continue on in great reverence toward Our Heavenly Father and will not allow ourselves to become classified with the five foolish virgins who failed to keep themselves prepared for the Lord’s coming.
We will continue out quest toward full maturity, knowing that many will fall away from The Way of Christ. We must not become discouraged when we we others move toward the lukewarm states as Jesus warned in Revelation chapter 3:
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
Those who have become lukewarm, become zealous and repent! We must overcome our own lax attention to The Gospel, and refocus ourselves to The Gospel. We must do a great reset in our own lives lest we be caught up with the masses who are headed toward certain pain and destruction. We must recommit ourselves to the preeminence of The Gospel and reassess our priorities. Agape Love keeps our priorities in line with FATHER’S Divine Intent. It continues to be all about Love… without exception.