Daily Devotion

“The purpose of theological education is not merely the transmission of knowledge, much less the creation of an academic elite, but the restructuring and offering up of life. If the students we train have only head knowledge, but lack the humility to serve others and a heart for missions, then our theological education is a failure.”

James Hudson Taylor III · Opening convocation address and founding documents of China Evangelical Seminary in Taiwan, 1970s

Scripture

1 Corinthians 8:1 ... Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

Reflection

If theological knowledge and spiritual insights are detached from the restructuring of life and love, they can easily become a yardstick to judge others and a source of pride. Rev. James Hudson Taylor III reminds us that the ultimate goal of theological education and spiritual pursuit is not to produce academic elites, but to shape lives that serve with humility and are willing to be offered up. First Corinthians also points out that knowledge alone easily breeds pride, but only the love of Christ truly builds others up. Today, we need to reflect: in our pursuit of truth and knowledge, are we growing in the humility to serve others? Are our words and actions using knowledge to overpower others, or using love to build up lives?