I recently had a talk with a young man about his thoughts on God, the Bible and postmodernism. ¬†I left that meeting feeling like I really need to focus on learning more about the world’s philosophies purely for the purpose of being able to share the gospel in a way that is relevant to them.

I have talked about this with a couple of friends lately and they challenged me on it.  I thought they were wrong, but I read something in scripture today:

Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.  The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.  But the man who loves God is known by God.
-1 Corinthians 8:1-2 

The thing is, the mantra that I’ve adopted with people about evangelism lately is “You shouldn’t try to make the gospel relevant. ¬†The gospel is relevant.” ¬†It’s a message that has resonated with generations for over 2000 years. ¬†What makes me think that more knowledge will make the message more effective? ¬†The bottom line is that only the Holy Spirit can change a heart.

I have a new New Year’s Resolution. ¬†Not to learn more. ¬†Just to love more. ¬†And in the process, to know and be known by God.