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We live in the ‘information age’. If you want to know something you’re only a click away. Never before in history have we had such unprecedented access to a seemingly unlimited amount of information and knowledge. There are so many benefits to such a situation. Need to do some research, skip the library and just reach in your pocket. Want to know what happened on this day 400 years ago or what traffic looks like in Rio De Janeiro right now? Boom, you can know in less than 10 seconds. It really is unreal. However, having so much information in such close proximity to us at all times isn’t always a good thing. With so much information about what is happening everywhere it is easy to become overwhelmed, anxious, envious or completely shut down. I believe we’re seeing the symptoms of this ‘information overload’ in every aspect of society and if we’re not careful, I believe we will fall into the same trap that Adam and Eve fell into… we can abandon the beauty of the Garden of Eden, for a bite of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. (Click Here To Read ‘My Smartphone Ate My Prayer Life’)
In the Genesis story, Adam and Eve, the first two created humans on Earth are in the center of God’s delight and are given abundant freedoms to enjoy life and all that God had made. The one caveat was that if they ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they would die. Everything else, including the Tree of Life was 100% available to them to explore and enjoy. But the ‘other thing’ was intriguing to them. So much so that they were willing to forsake all that had been given to them in order to focus on the one thing they could not have. So they ate of the ‘forbidden fruit’ of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. But if you recall, they didn’t fall dead. As a matter of fact, the Bible tells us that Adam lived to be 930 years old. So what gives? (Click Here To Read About The Deception of ‘The Other Thing’)
Is The Knowledge of Good and Evil Killing You?
Remember this, Adam and Eve were created perfect and were never supposed to die at all! God didn’t create death. He created life. Sin produces death because it chokes out life. Adam’s 930 years may seem like a long life but it is a lot shorter than eternity. I think the moment ‘knowledge’ became Adam and Eve’s pursuit they started to die on the inside. Knowing something brings more accountability than you may have the authority or power to do something about. I believe that is something we are up against today in this ‘information age’. It’s so easy to know more, but then you feel more responsible. It’s so easy to see more so you want more and can easily become dissatisfied with what you have. Knowing more about more things can easily make you feel less-than in just about everything. You can look alive and feel dead. Just like Adam and Eve in the Garden.
Knowledge is not bad. I believe we should be mentally sharp and informed; studying and growing in insight and understanding. The challenge is to not allow it to consume our lives. I’ve been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes written by King Solomon. Solomon is reputed as being the wisest man that ever lived. However, his knowledge and wisdom lead him to a place of despair declaring that ‘everything is meaningless’. Solomon was the wealthiest person in the world. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Suffice it to say he had whatever he wanted as a man whenever he wanted it, from wisdom to wealth to women. When someone like that tells you things are meaningless you need to pay attention and ask why they have come to that conclusion. What Solomon made clear was that everything other than true communion with God is going to leave you wanting more and feeling empty. I think we need to be reminded of that today. (Click Here To Read ‘Don’t Be A Slave In The Promised Land’)
What ‘The Donald’ Taught Me
This week Donald Trump will be sworn in as the next President of the USA. I heard Mr. Trump speak at an event years ago. He opened with these words and I’ve never forgotten it… “Why are you people here? Do you really want to be like us? (highly successful business people were presenting that day) Do you realize I toss and turn in my bed every night worried about who is going to try and [trick] me out of my money? Why do you want to be that way?” I was shocked. I admired his candor and was heartbroken at the same time. When I think of that day I think of King Solomon’s words. Knowing more and wanting to experience more doesn’t necessarily lead to freedom. In fact, it can lead to bondage and a death to the joy God intended you to have in the beauty of where He has placed you. (Click Here To Read ‘Out of Order’)
Don’t allow yourself to be overwhelmed by everything that is going on everywhere all the time. Embrace the beauty of where you are and the people you get to do life with. Seek to learn and grow but don’t be duped into believing you have it all figured out. Stay humble and teachable trusting that God loves you enough to protect and guide you. Sometimes our hunger for more information is simply our mistrust of God taking over. He is good and He is for you today. In all your learning remember that one thing and you will enjoy all the wonderful things He has given you to enjoy right where you are.
Knowledge is but folly unless it is guided by grace. ~ George Herbert
From The Bible
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10 NIV
Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless. – Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NIV
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