Again within the Spring, I shared that I’d be beginning seminary once more. With two programs accomplished and the subsequent one about to start, I can safely say that I’m glad I’m doing this. It has been good for me in some ways. However on this brief time, I’ve already been reminded that a little bit bit of data generally is a harmful factor.
Information is nice
Now, right here’s what I imply by that: Information is an efficient factor. We must pursue rising in data about every little thing we will. Figuring out how the world works. Understanding the individuals we love. Figuring out God himself. I’ve spent practically 20 years independently learning the Bible commonly at this level. And I’d wish to say that, whereas I’ve removed from received all of it discovered—nor will I ever—I’ve managed to get a stable grasp of the center of its message.1
So there’s a level to which, not less than with the programs I’ve taken up to now, there hasn’t been plenty of new. (I notice that in all probability sounds extremely boastful, however it isn’t meant to be.) As an alternative, a lot of it has clarified and confirmed completely different factors the place my impartial research had already been main. (One instance being the aim of Genesis’s creation accounts.) And even the place there have been parts that pushed towards a few of my very own strains of pondering, I didn’t have a way of concern or nervousness the way in which I’ve generally seen described. As an alternative, it’s giving me alternatives to think about how a change in perspective may assist me extra faithfully love God and love others.
Information is an efficient factor. And the goodness of its pursuit extends nicely past the research of Scripture. Math, science, historical past, artwork, you title it—all assist us to like God and love individuals extra totally. So don’t be afraid to study and develop. Embrace each alternative you may have.
Information with out knowledge might be harmful
However there’s additionally a sort of data that puffs up (1 Corinthians 8:1). It’s the showy, humble-braggy sort of data that’s too usually used to construct up ourselves on the expense of others. To make us appear oh-so-very clever, whereas alienating these round us, as we liberally pepper our conversations with phrases like chiasm, synecdoche, and fecundity.2
We’d know the phrases and use them appropriately, however actually, we’re simply attempting to make ourselves look necessary.
This sort of data is unstable. It’s a infantile kind, more likely to be “tossed back and forth and carried about with each wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14 NKJV). It has not been tempered by knowledge and expertise. And in some cases, it may be dangerous to these round us, and even to ourselves.
And once more, it’s not as a result of data is dangerous. It’s as a result of we’re not wielding it appropriately.
Information tempered by knowledge is life-giving to all
I’ve been that man (aka unbearable). I’m certain all of us have sooner or later or one other. And figuring out that makes me all-the-more grateful to be pursuing my formal training now, with a bit extra life behind me. That doesn’t imply that I think about myself significantly smart or something like that. Simply that I’ve been gone the block sufficient instances at this level to be cautious of the hazard of expressing data recklessly.
Knowledge—which solely comes with time and expertise—is what makes sharing data life-giving for others. It encourages us to be thoughtful and conscientious as we search to mirror Christ in our phrases and actions. To keep away from inserting unwieldy burdens on those that they had been by no means meant to bear. To hunt the great of others, and never elevate ourselves.
That’s what true data does. It’s the type I need extra of. And I’m grateful that I’m reaching a stage in life the place I can recognize it.
Picture by Alex Shute on Unsplash
