There is a subtle trap for those who study theology and philosophy. The trap has two parts. First is the temptation to try to know everything or think you can. The second is to act like you do know it all.

One of the most liberating statements I’ve ever heard was when Rick Warren said we’re all ignorant of different things. Since we cannot know it all, it’s a great relief to hear and accept this truth.

The important truth emerging from our limitations is that God does know it all. He also tells us what we need to know when we need to know it. He overcomes our ignorance. He does not require us to have a perfect academic record to serve him faithfully and fully. Listen to what he told Moses:

“I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say.”

Jesus told his disciples in Mark 13:11, ”So when they arrest you and hand you over, don’t worry beforehand what you will say, but say whatever is given to you at that time, for it isn’t you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.“

Of course, it doesn’t matter that God knows it all if we are not in a deepening and abiding relationship with him. (See John 15.) The Apostle Paul tells us to walk by the Holy Spirit and to let him lead us where he wants us to go and to say what he wants us to say. (See Romans 8 and Galatians 5). 

Knowing God and living out the mission he has for us makes available the greatest brain reserve possible. Know God and know that everything you need to know to honor him and bless others is available. Be present to God in every circumstance and every moment. 

This is not, let it be said, permission to live without applying your mind to education. Genesis 2:19, 20 tells us about Adam’s organized mind. It tells us what he was discovering and denominating. (That’s a fancy word meaning “to name.”) Adam was a man full of wide-eyed wonder and clever taxonomy. 

When we read Psalm 8, it should make us think not only of dark nights and the million stars all around, it should make us think of eternity and the possibility of exploring the majesty and glory of all God has created. If you had a cartoon cloud and harp in mind, sorry to snatch your halo and tunesmithery.

Know God. Make him known in how you live. Trust him to provide the words you need when you need them. Trust him to lead you higher, farther, and deeper than you could imagine. Love the Lord your God with all your mind. 

Moses, at this point in the story, did not know what he did not know. Soon enough, he knew more than he could contain. He followed God’s instructions and provided us with a written record that teaches us how to trust God from the bottom of our hearts even at our most ignorant and even at our most disobedient. 

I don’t have to know it all. I do get to know more and more of God.

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I will cultivate an ever-deeper, ever more-abiding relationship with God.

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Our Father, 1 Corinthians 13:12 tells us that we will see you face to face one day. We will know fully just as we are fully known by you. Fill our hearts and minds with faith, hope, and love for you and for those you bring into our lives so that you may use us to help others see how good you are. Amen.