We Don't Know What We Don't Know

My granddaughter Mya reading "Who Is God?" by Kathleen Ruckman

“We don’t know what we don’t know.”  I paused to consider this statement upon hearing it for the umpteenth time last week.  It was spoken by news commentators in reference to the Ebola virus. 

Now I suppose it’s a no-brainer that we don’t know whole vast amounts of knowledge.  If we were ignorant of the fact that we didn't know it, then we wouldn't realize that we were ignorant of it. This statement can seem like some kind of double-talk or a profound theory depending on who’s saying it or our thoughts and feelings at the moment. 

In my opinion, the bottom line is this:

The knowledge of the facts can make a difference to one’s actions. Not only that, but also knowledge of the facts can make a difference between life and death.

It occurred to me that this is also true in the spiritual realm.

So, how does this “We don’t know what we don’t know” apply to me as a Christian?

My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. "Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. Hosea 4:6 NIV

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy:

Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  2 Timothy 2:15 AKJ V

It seems to me then, that the “facts” from a Christian standpoint must be TRUTH.  Jesus said it is possible for us to know the truth. (John 8:32)

Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Douay-Rheims Bible

And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth. 1 John 5:6b Douay-Rheims

The Psalmist says “thy law is truth.” (Psalm 119:142b)  Jesus also says “thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Keeping in mind that I don’t know what I don’t know, I pray to God for Him to teach me.

 Teach me your ways, Lord, that I may walk in your truth. Psalm 86:11

God promises to instruct and guide us.

You shall seek me, and shall find me: when you shall seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. Psalm 119:2 NIV

This is my clumsy attempt to share with you a little portion of my reflections on this subject. Please feel free to share your thoughts to add to our understanding.  Proverbs tell us “there is safety in the multitude of counselors.”

Mya reading "What will Heaven be Like?" by Kathleen Ruckman

Thank you for visiting Write Moments with God.  I appreciate you.  Please visit next week for my monthly author interview and book give-away.