“Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” I Corinthians 8:1-3
Have you ever been called a chicken? Do you remember trying something you were afraid to try just to avoid being called a chicken? Or maybe you were the one calling somebody else a chicken! Name calling is never the greatest way to treat other people, but what motive lies behind the name calling?
In the book of Corinthians, the apostle Paul is addressing a problem in the church; the problem of eating food sacrificed to idols. Some believers felt the freedom to eat any food, standing on the finished work of Jesus; other believers felt a compulsion to stay away from any food sacrificed to appease other so-called gods, afraid to appear as if they condoned the practice. Both groups were trying to follow the teachings of Jesus to the best of their ability. While the modern church does not often run into this problem today, the concept of freedom in Christ continues to divide, sometimes breaking down into derision and name calling. Again I ask, what is the motive behind the division?
Paul, not at all a chicken, takes the discussion in a different direction than just food and begins to question why the argument has taken center stage. He discusses the fact that people can be at different points in their faith walk, all with knowledge, but all learning as well. Paul questions the motives of those involved in the discussion, are they looking to appear superior or are they looking to love? Paul himself goes on to say he would never eat meat again if it would harm someone else.
In one of the best known verses in all of Scripture, Paul admonishes the Corinthians that the greatest gift of all is love. The Corinthians loved knowledge, oratory, and prophecy, Paul told them to love each other.
Like the Corinthians, I love knowledge. Really I love Bible knowledge. I love reading through the Scriptures every year, and learn so much even though I’ve read it before. God truly speaks through His Word, teaching and transforming. The transformative power of God’s Word should prevent anyone from getting “puffed up” or prideful about Bible knowledge, but human nature and pride provide plenty of “puffing up” if given the opportunity. Motive becomes key once again. Why does anyone, me included, want to gain knowledge of the Scriptures?
Our church participates in Bible Quizzing, an activity for children and teens to encourage them to read the Bible. Our teams have done quite well this year, but last week was the final competition to qualify for individual honors, including a trip to the regional meet. Suddenly, more than getting to know God better and working as a team was at stake. Suddenly, each teen was in competition with the other members of their own team!
I love Bible quizzing, but am mindful of the fact that Paul, in the very book the quizzers were quizzing over, clearly articulates the importance of love over knowledge. Paul did not live in competition with fellow believers, he lived loving them, helping them, cheering for them, surrendering his very life for them. Knowledge is crucial, especially knowledge of God through the Bible, but that knowledge should compel us to live our lives loving as Jesus did.
Competition surrounds us; the Olympics are playing even as I write this. Good healthy competition existed even in Paul’s day, good and healthy as long as we compete with hearts to do all things as onto God. Do your best, and encourage even your rivals to do their best. Motives are important, do you live loving others or seeking only to be superior to others?
I start reading through the Bible on January 1 every year, but it is never too late to begin! If you start today, by Valentine’s Day 2027 you will have read the best love story ever. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” John 3:16. I dare you to try it, but I won’t call you a chicken if you don’t.
Today’s recipe is a savory variation of cream puffs. This recipe is easy and would make a great appetizer for your Valentine’s Day dinner, or on an English Tea Tray.
Chicken Almond Puffs
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup Gold Medal Flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup diced chicken
- 1 Tbsp chopped almonds
Measure flour and salt into a measuring cup to have ready. Combine chicken broth and butter in a heavy duty saucepan. Melt and bring to a boil. Add flour and salt all at once, stirrring vigorously until batter forms a ball. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly.
Add eggs one at a time, stirring well. Don’t let egg touch the bottom of the pan to keep the egg from scrambling. Once all eggs have been incorporated the batter should be sticky. Stir in chicken and nuts.
Drop by spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake at 450* for 10 minutes; then REDUCE heat to 350* and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
