You Know Too Much!

June 25, 2020

You Know Too Much!

One of the most dangerous places to be is the place where you know too much.

Our daughter was married one month ago this week; it is a joy to see her growing in so many ways at such a rapid pace!  She knows she does not know everything about her new husband, so she is curious.  She knows she does not know everything about marriage, so she is open.  She knows she does not know everything about her in-laws, so she is listening. 

One of the greatest opportunities in marriage is knowing you do not know. 

In contrast, those who have been married for several years often know too much.  They know how their spouse will respond so they are not as curious this time.  They know so much about marriage that they are less open to new possibilities.  They know so much about the in-laws that they do not always listen carefully.

One of the greatest challenges in marriage is knowing too much.

The same is true in life…and in our relationship with God.

We will almost always drift in the direction of believing we already know because not knowing is not always comfortable.  Not knowing means that we must put our faith in something we may not be able to see or touch or feel or hear.  In Hebrews 11:1 we are reminded; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” 

The greatest challenge of the Covid-19 virus is not social distancing, face masks, and restrictions on our activities.  The greatest challenge is that our response to the virus has left us with a large dose of uncertainty and unknowing.  There is much less “assurance” and “hope” than just four months ago. 

I wonder if our ability or inability to cope with the tsunami-wave of not knowing may end up being the most significant impact of the virus.

Not knowing is not comfortable.  Rather than live with not knowing, it is tempting to set aside our curiosity and stop asking questions.  Rather than live with uncertainty, it is tempting to be less open and stop considering new possibilities.  Rather than live with ambiguity, it is tempting to assume we understand and stop listening to those who see things differently.

One of the greatest challenges in the life of a Christ-follower is knowing too much.  Think about these possibilities.

We read the Bible, but are convinced we already know what it says.  So, we are not curious, not open, not listening.

We engage in devotions and prayer, but are convinced we already know what the Spirit will do.  So, we are not curious, not open, not listening.

We go to worship, but are convinced Jesus will not speak to us.  So, we are not curious, not open, not listening. 

I imagine you know someone who knows too much.  Things may not be going well for your friend right now; maybe they are discontent or disillusioned or discouraged.  As you listen, it seems that what your friend knows does not align with God’s Truth.  They are not a bad person.  And yet, they do not know God’s peace and joy and love deep in their heart.

When we know too much, we stop growing in our love for other people and for Jesus.  When we know too much, we rely more and more on what we are convinced is right rather than listening to what the Lord God says is right.  In John 14:6 Jesus reminds us; “I (Jesus) am the way, and the truth, and the life.”

Jesus shows us the way to a life of peace and joy and love in the midst of uncertainty and unknowing.  The way to a life of holiness is the way of trusting and obeying Jesus.  It is the way of faith in the Truth who is Jesus rather than confidence in my own understanding.

Our greatest delight is found not in knowing everything, but in trusting Jesus to show us the way when uncertainty and unknowing are all around.  Maybe it is time for your friend to re-align where they find assurance; to trust in the Truth who is Jesus!  I wonder if you are willing to visit with your friend this week.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug