In the pursuit of knowledge let one beware of failing to apply it in his personal conduct. Biblical knowledge is vital to one's spiritual wellbeing. We can be destroyed for a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4: 6). But knowledge is not an end within itself. It is to be used for a glorious purpose. A person may be very "knowledgeable" but still live an immoral life. We must apply this vital knowledge to our conduct. We must become BETTER people because of what we know. Pure lives must be lived. As Paul admonishes Timothy, ". . . be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity" (I Tim. 4:12).

Our behavior must be godly. "Beloved, I beseech you as sojourners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your behavior seemly among the Gentiles; that, wherein they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they behold, glorify God in the day of visitation" (I Peter 2:11, 12). In the previous chapter, Peter exhorts us "as children of obedience, not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in the time of your ignorance: but like as he who called you is holy, BE YE YOURSELVES ALSO HOLY IN ALL MANNER OF LIVING; because it is written, 'Ye shall be holy: for I am holy."' (I Peter 1: 14-16, emp. mine, drg).

Many scriptures teach that our eternal destiny will be determined by our conduct in this life. "For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5: 10).

Shall we gain knowledge? Most assuredly! "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). But remember to APPLY your knowledge in forming righteous conduct (Titus 2:11-14).

Grow in your spiritual knowledge. Become and remain righteous in your daily conduct. Live godly in this present world and heaven will be your eternal home.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XII: 12, p. 14
September 1968