A southern gentleman called into a New England operator one day and said in his best drawl, "I'd like to speak to Fred Bailey."
The operator couldn't understand him so she asked him to repeat the name. He said, "Baiiiiiley. I want to speak to Fred Bailey."
The Boston switchboard operator was still puzzled, so she replied through a well-trained nose, "Sir, would you spell the last name, please?"
The man slowly stated, "B as in boy, a as in animal, I as in igloo, l as in lion..."
The distracted operator interrupted him saying, "L as in what?"
As nice as he could possibly be, the southern gentleman said, "Let me spell it for you..."
Many times as Christians, we can also get sidetracked in our daily search for truth from God's Word. Truth is important to grasp-especially that from the Bible-but, we sometimes let other people's ideas or theories get in the way, and we make this search for biblical principles our only goal in the Christian walk.
Never forget that your real purpose as a believer is not just to gain knowledge, but to apply those truths and love God and those He died for. Doctrinal and theological knowledge from God's Word is certainly important, but it must also be accompanied by action.
First Corinthians 8:1 says, "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." Certainly seek truth from God's Word, but always remember to add to it sensitivity and concern for other believers and a passionate love for the Lord.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord to not let you miss the entire point of knowing and seeking doctrine in His Word. Pray that He would teach you to be filled with BOTH knowledge and love for others.