September 21, 2026
— Wikipedia · Source: "James Hudson Taylor III," Wikipedia
1 Corinthians 8:1 ... Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
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. The life of Rev. James Hudson Taylor III, who went from missionary work in Kaohsiung to become the founding president of China Evangelical Seminary, 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?
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for guiding us with Your truth and redeeming us with Your love. Please guard our hearts so that as we pursue truth and knowledge, we do not fall into the trap of pride. Restructure our lives, remove the pride and complacency from our hearts, and grant us a humble and self-emptying heart like Yours. Lord, please grant us a heart for missions to all nations and a passion to serve others. May our minds be filled with the knowledge of You, and our hearts be even more filled with Your love. Make us not merely possessors of knowledge, but channels of love and vessels that build others up, manifesting Your glory before the world. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen!