“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up.” 1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV
Question: how much knowledge do you need before you actually start doing?
During my project management training at Stanford University, one of the professors introduced a concept he called the “Knowing – Doing Gap”. The idea was that, while leaders at a company might have certain knowledge, to actually do what you might know about is something entirely different. A company might for instance know about automation, how to automate business processes, and even be aware of their need to implement automation in their business. But to actually decide to do it, to start implement automation is something else. In other words, the knowledge itself is of no value until it actually is being applied.
In a practical sense, we know this to be true. You can take a bunch of classes to learn how to cook, even watch chefs make amazing food. But without actually making the food, it remains as knowledge in your mind. The knowledge itself doesn’t feed your family. You actually have to apply the knowledge and make the food, which can for some be much harder than obtaining the knowledge. Knowing versus doing.
I was listening to a pastor from Tennessee not long ago, who asked followers of Christ this question: “As Christians, how much more do we need to know, before we start taking action?” He was frustrated with many within the Christian community, who go to church week after week, who attend bible studies, who read Christian books, who listen to Christian radio and podcasts, etc, but all that knowledge is not translating into any change, any action. It is like the business leader who is going to training after training, but never using what he has learned to help his business. Or the knowledgable cook who never makes food. And this pastor’s frustration, his plea with the Christian community I think hit the nail on the head. We have more access to bibles and teachings than ever, but it is unclear whether that is actually driving us to make a difference. In our own lives, in our families, in our churches, neighborhoods, jobs, cities and counties.
When you read all of chapter 14, you can sense a similar frustration from Paul with the Corinthian church, and their disorderly gatherings. It is a pretty lengthy chapter, with somewhat detailed instructions on the use of spiritual gifts and of speaking in the assembly. We looked yesterday at the issue of self promotion versus using gifts to build up the congregation. To give and to receive, to strengthen each other. I recommend reading through the entire chapter in one sitting, to better understand the context of Paul’s frustration, instruction, and guidance. You can come to your own conclusions what your assembly of believers is missing from Paul’s writings here, including more controversial topics.
But regardless of what you conclude after reading this, there is a core issue we all must ask ourselves. Do we personally have a “knowing – doing gap” in our walk with Jesus? Are we truly “abiding” in his word, in him, as his disciples, or “cherrypicking” what we want to do? When you have heard a sermon, or read a word that impacted you, did you take action? Meaning, did you go from “knowing” to “doing”, or just left it as “that was a good word”?
Let’s pray: “Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with me, and your instructions to guide me through this world. Help me Father, not to just leave your good instructions as knowledge, but that I take action and follow you, even when it is difficult. Please give me strength to live boldly as your child and a disciple of Jesus Christ. In Jesus name I pray, Amen”.