When I was a little girl my mom used to tell me, “there’s always something more to learn.” As someone who dearly values education and understanding, the reality that I will never stop seeking knowledge is both exciting and overwhelming. There is so much to learn and so little time to learn it! I want to grasp as much of it as I can in this lifetime.
Humans were created to have curious minds that desire to grow in perspective and knowledge. It’s why children ask so many questions. Where does laughter come from? Why do people have to die? How do seasons change? It’s why kindergarteners want to know what “grown-up” words mean and why teenagers often seem so confused and overwhelmed – because they’re at a pivotal point in their story where they are asking deep and serious questions about life.
We are created to ask questions, seek answers, and desire knowledge. However, in this post, I am going to suggest something that might sound a bit crude but is meant entirely as a basic observation.
What is it, you ask?
Well, quite simply…perhaps this generation doesn’t value knowledge as it should.
Why Does Knowledge Matter?
Ephesians 4:11-15 talks about maturing in knowledge and faith as believers. Verses 14-15 say, “As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ. . .”
In a world full of misconceptions about truth, blurred perceptions of reality, and inconsistent reasoning, knowledge sincerely matters. It is far too easy to get pulled into the schemes of man, confused by the voices speaking lies around us.
Friend, don’t let yourself get caught up in this world of chaos and empty dreams. You were created to understand the love of God and share that with the lost. Seeking knowledge is worth it. Even if just to keep your faith strong and your hope in Him steadfast.
It also matters in sharing the gospel with others. In Acts 17, Paul visits the people of Athens and displays understanding of their philosophy and religion in his defense of Christ. He even mentions their poets (vs 28), proving that he was not ignorant concerning their culture. Because of his knowledge, his desire to learn more of this people and their perspective for the sake of furthering God’s kingdom, lost souls were saved.
Seeking knowledge matters, friends.
Because the world is full of lies, people are lost, and life is short.
Why We Shy Away from Knowledge
So, what is it that makes knowledge “too big” for our generation? Why do we shy away from it? Below are the three reasons I’ve found in brainstorming for, and writing, this article.
1.Seeking Knowledge is Hard
My family and I were recently spending time with a pastor’s family we are friends with and the pastor, who I truly respect and who has spent much time seeking biblical knowledge, shared that when he decided to become a pastor he had to adjust the way he spent his time. He explained that for the next couple of birthdays – he was in highschool at the time – he asked only for books. And not just any books. No. He asked for books about apologetics, books about church history, books about theology, etc. Hard books. See, he understood (and still does) that to lead his church well, he needed to be spiritually grounded and firmly secure in his own faith.
Realistically, most people aren’t inclined to come home – after a long day of school or work – and pick up a book that takes more mental energy. I understand! Every weekday, I do my eight highschool classes in the morning and work at a daycare in the afternoon. I admit, I don’t come home thinking “oh hey! Wouldn’t this be a great time to study the Hypostatic Union!” It’s okay to need a break. We need spiritual rest. But don’t forget to make time for growth. Hard things are usually hard because they have a result worth working towards.
If you find yourself relating to this point – wanting to grow in knowledge but shying away from the hardness – I highly suggest the book Do Hard Things by Brett and Alex Harris (especially if you are a teenager).
2.Seeking Knowledge is. . .Weird
Few people want to be the weirdo that is too busy studying, reading, and thinking to live a “real” life. You know…the kind of person who doesn’t enjoy playing board games because there are more “valuable” things to do. Or the person who can turn any carefree conversation into a philosophical argument while everyone sits there awkwardly.
We don’t want to be the person who doesn’t know how to have any fun.
Here’s the reality: it’s okay to be a nerd when it comes to biblical knowledge and truth. Yes, you’re going to get some weird looks. And, yes, you’ll probably experience some moments of awkward silence in your lifetime. But what does it matter? You are on this earth to know God, love God, and make Him known. If you hold to that truth you will soon find there is great beauty and fulfillment in seeking knowledge for His glory! Not only to better understand Him but to better serve Him by “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,” (1 Peter 3:15).
And, chances are, when people begin to recognize that your heart isn’t full of the shallow dreams this world advertises, but instead a deep, thought-provoking love and desire to learn…they will begin to respect you more for it. Not all will…and that is okay. But most people understand, or at least acknowledge, that when knowledge and deep-thinking become rare, they also become more valuable.
3.Seeking Knowledge is Scary
Aiming to do anything well is terrifying at first. Especially if you don’t know where to start. When I first determined to live my life learning everything I could about the Bible and continually growing in my faith and knowledge, I was entirely overwhelmed. There were so many books and so many articles and so many passages and so many classes! So many things I wanted to learn about and better develop my understanding of.
Where was I supposed to start?
It didn’t take me long to realize that the best I could do was go one step at a time. I couldn’t fully appreciate the educated thoughts of a pastor if I was reading a respected apologist’s book at the same time. Both were valuable resources worth investing time and energy into…but I could only focus on one at a time if I really wanted to learn from either.
Starting new journeys, making serious commitments, and choosing to do hard things, is almost always scary. In fact, if it doesn’t scare you, or at least put you on edge, I encourage you to ask yourself if you are really putting dedication into the task. But in that process, remember…those scary steps can be the groundwork for such breathtaking fruit ten years from now.
Seeking Knowledge in an Empty World
There are several ways we can grow in knowledge despite the shallowness of this world…
1.Learning from Spiritual Leaders and Christian Mentors
Back to the Ephesians 3 passage I mentioned above, verses 11-13 say, “So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors, and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
God has put people in our lives, pastors, godly mentors, Christ-following teachers, etc., whose experience and knowledge we can grow from. So, read their books! Listen to their sermons! Ask them questions! Do not place them on a pedestal but do value what they have spent their life learning.
2.Wisdom From Your Elders
“Wisdom is with the aged, and with long life comes understanding.” – Job 12:12
Those who are older than us have seen more of this life and have attained knowledge in the process of simply living. We can learn from their experiences and gain wisdom from their stories, insight, and perspectives. I know that teenagers, especially, have a hard time valuing old age. We scrunch our noses at the idea of nursing homes and aren’t exactly enlightened at the idea of a conversation over bingo games. But God’s word instructs us to seek out knowledge from those who have been in this messy thing called life much longer than we have.
Seek wisdom from your elders…you might be surprised what dear gems elderly people can be when valued, noticed, and listened to.
3.Read God’s Word
True knowledge comes from God, and we know that “. . .scripture is breathed out by God. . .” (2 Timothy 3:16). All the Christians I look up to and respect the most are Christians who are consistent in their time with God, studying His word.
Friends, whatever it takes, no matter what it means giving up…make time for God daily. Every day belongs to Him. If you really love Him, put effort into spending time with Him. You know the saying “actions speak louder than words”? Well it applies to your spiritual life too. Don’t just tell God that you love Him…show Him by making time for Him. There is nothing more worth your time and energy than your Creator.
Spend time in the Bible. Train your mind to hunger for it. Memorize it. Treasure it.
Because it is the greatest treasure you will hold in this lifetime.
Seeking Knowledge Because It Matters
As is true with almost anything in life, if there are underlying “wrong reasons” for a goal which was intended to be good, the results will be unbalanced and unpleasant. Having said that, don’t seek knowledge for the sake of reason to boast or pride in yourself. Don’t seek knowledge for any reason other than glorifying the name of Christ and better knowing Him. And for that reason…waste no time.
Because, as I said above…
The world is full of lies, people are lost, and time is short.
So true, and so valuable. Thank you for this, friend! <3
<3
Amazing!!!
Thank you!
So much meat to chew on here, but the line that stands out to me is “when knowledge and deep-thinking become rare, they also become more valuable.” So true. I’m thankful God places eager men and women, teens, and children in every time period to keep the quest for His knowledge and deep thinking alive. All to advance His kingdom, for His glory, as you note. And with that knowledge and deep thinking, humility to enter into thoughtful dialogue with a listening ear and an understanding heart, especially toward those whose viewpoints differ from us.
I am thankful for that as well…and yes you are certainly right that application of such knowledge must be done in humility and love <3