Love + Knowledge = God’s Best
From the moment I saw my first equation in math class, I wondered “What does this have to do with real life?” The teacher reassured us, “You will spend the rest of your life figuring out equations.” And she was right.
On a daily basis, I’m working equations: (See: Three Loves to Change Your Life)
- Do flowers plus a clean kitchen equal a happy wife?
- Does a rerun of Full House and a bowl full of gold fish equal quiet children?
- Does a busy week and completed chores equal the freedom to play golf Saturday morning?
Life is full of equations. From the moment we learn 1+1=2, we spend the rest of our lives trying to solve the difficult equations of life.
What equals a:
- happy marriage
- healthy kids (See: The Main Thing I Pray for My Kids)
- sufficient retirement
When it comes to figuring out the best action we should take, there is a simple equation:
Love + Knowledge = God’s Best
The most common mistake regarding this equation is assuming that either love or knowledge will lead to the best action. People often believe it is one or the other.
Some believe all we need is love. They think if their desire is right, their actions will follow. While love is important, love alone does not lead to God’s best. Love creates action. It motivates us to move. It propels us into motion. Yet it doesn’t tell us what we should do. Love does no necessarily drive us in the right direction. It might create action, but it doesn’t ensure the right action. How many evils have been done in the name of love? How many foolish actions have resulted because of foolish love? How well do we know that it is often better to do nothing than the wrong thing? Love without knowledge does not lead to God’s best. (See: Stop Listening to Your Heart)
Some believe all we need is knowledge. They think if their ideas are right, their actions will follow. While knowledge is important, knowledge alone does not lead to God’s best. Knowledge rarely leads to action. It might show us the way to go, but it rarely causes us to go that way. Knowledge rarely motivates. Does knowing the truth cause us to eat properly? Does awareness of the fact motivate us to exercise? Do the right ideas always lead to the best outcomes? Knowledge without love does not lead to God’s best. (See: Love Doesn’t Always Feel Loving)
We need both—love and knowledge. Without love, knowledge rarely moves. Without knowledge, love rarely moves in the right direction.
Love + Knowledge = God’s Best
Whenever we are considering what action to take, we must check both aspects.
Rarely do we have all the knowledge we need to make a good choice. We need to seek wise advisors, read books, and learn new skills.
Rarely do we have all the love we need to make a good choice. We need to check our hearts, be reminded of the true nature of love, and put the needs of others before ourselves.
If you want to make the best choice possible, realize what stands between you and wisdom. Seek love and knowledge and God’s best will likely follow. (See: Why You Don’t Submit to God)
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent…” Philippians 1.9
