How Much Knowledge Is Too Much?
We live in a world where we have easy access to information. A few keystrokes and we can find out almost anything we want to know. But how much knowledge is too much?
In the old days, my car just had a petrol warning light. When it came on, I never worried. I just thought to myself that I’d be good for another 100kms or so and kept driving. The other day, however, soon after I left Young on my way to Hampstead, the petrol light came on. In the past I wouldn’t have given it another thought, but my current car also tells me the how many kilometres I have left before the tank is empty and the GPS tells me how many kilometres to my destination. On my way home I found myself watching the two tick down and worrying if I was going to make it. 29km range and 30km to home. 14km range and 15km to home. 1km range and 2km to home. Fortunately, I made it, but it was an anxious and stressful trip because I had too much information.
Sometimes we think life would be easier if we knew what the future has in store? But would it really? Too much knowledge can lead to a stressful and anxious life, not just in the relatively minor things like how much petrol we have left, but in the big things as well. Jesus suggests that live each day as it comes and trust God for the rest. That doesn’t mean living in blissful ignorance, because a lack of knowledge is also stressful. He’s not suggesting that we stick our heads in the sand and put off until another day addressing important issues like looking after our health, making preparations for retirement, or paying bills on time. What he does mean is that we shouldn’t let ourselves be controlled by the uncontrollable and direct all our energies towards trying to change the things we can’t change. Instead, we should put our energy into building a connection with the only one for whom nothing is uncontrollable. If we bring our lives into line with his plan, the future is under control and our fuel tank for life is full.
Jesus said, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).
Neil Percival
In the old days, my car just had a petrol warning light. When it came on, I never worried. I just thought to myself that I’d be good for another 100kms or so and kept driving. The other day, however, soon after I left Young on my way to Hampstead, the petrol light came on. In the past I wouldn’t have given it another thought, but my current car also tells me the how many kilometres I have left before the tank is empty and the GPS tells me how many kilometres to my destination. On my way home I found myself watching the two tick down and worrying if I was going to make it. 29km range and 30km to home. 14km range and 15km to home. 1km range and 2km to home. Fortunately, I made it, but it was an anxious and stressful trip because I had too much information.
Sometimes we think life would be easier if we knew what the future has in store? But would it really? Too much knowledge can lead to a stressful and anxious life, not just in the relatively minor things like how much petrol we have left, but in the big things as well. Jesus suggests that live each day as it comes and trust God for the rest. That doesn’t mean living in blissful ignorance, because a lack of knowledge is also stressful. He’s not suggesting that we stick our heads in the sand and put off until another day addressing important issues like looking after our health, making preparations for retirement, or paying bills on time. What he does mean is that we shouldn’t let ourselves be controlled by the uncontrollable and direct all our energies towards trying to change the things we can’t change. Instead, we should put our energy into building a connection with the only one for whom nothing is uncontrollable. If we bring our lives into line with his plan, the future is under control and our fuel tank for life is full.
Jesus said, “Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).
Neil Percival