SCRIPTURE: “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2COR. 2:11 KJV)
QUOTE: “Overconfidence is ignorance! If you’re feeling cocky, it’s because there’s something you don’t know.” ― Eoin Colfer,
NOTE:
Ignorance, whether in innocence or in willful rejection of the facts, has consequences to affect both the individual and those around the ignorant. We often express our ignorance through the following:
Fears: A common expression that typifies an effect of ignorance is “fear of the unknown.” Humanity is often uncomfortable with matters of unfamiliarity. Not knowing what is in the dark or even not knowing how something will turn out has created all kinds of worry and irrational behavior. Ignorance is one of Satan’s greatest tools. It is quite interesting to note that a common expression in the Bible is “I would not have you to be ignorant”.
Read also these following passages along those same lines Romans 1:13; 11:25; 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Peter 3:8). Accurate knowledge dispels the fears that cripple the mind and life in anxiety. Peace and comfort come from the knowledge of the One who is always in control.
Fighting: Paul stated of his own conflict with Christ before his conversion, “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). He would later write to Timothy concerning that same time before his conversion, “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief” (1 Tim. 1:13).
Wars and fighting have often been propagated due to ignorance. There are times in the heat of conflict that one would dare ask the question “What are we really fighting for?” There has often been internal conflict with oneself because of not knowing what to do. Since God is not “the author of confusion, but of peace”, a thorough understanding of the will of God through the study of the Bible brings light to those in darkness.
ILLUSTRATION:
It’s impossible for a leader to know everything. Irrespective of how smart, capable, and intelligent they may be, navigating the challenges and unknowns along the way requires them to always be learning – acquiring new knowledge, building new skills, replacing old and outdated beliefs to match with the future demands of their industry. Not knowing something as a leader is not a massive disadvantage. Not being curious and open about what they don’t know is.
REFLECTION:
As a leader how open are you to other peoples’ views?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Job 27, Psalm 117