Do you ever sense that the more you know the less you know?
Perhaps, at least for me, a more accurate assessment would be “the more I know the less I learn.”
Reconciled?
Some time ago I read a discussion of Second Corinthians (don’t recall exactly where) that ended with a confusing, and somewhat accusatory, question: Have YOU been reconciled to God?
I adopted my normal attitude toward difficult questions—I skipped over it. But the question nagged at me. I’m pretty sure the answer’s YES, but how do I know?
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [2 Corinthians 5:20]
The Greek word translated as “reconciled” in this passage (katallasso) connotes some kind of exchange. The exchange involved Jesus dying in my place.
Reconciliation isn’t anything I can do. I had a relationship with God. I messed it up. God reconciled me to Him through Jesus’ sacrifice.
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ…God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ… [2 Corinthians 5:18-19]
For me, the question isn’t really whether I’m reconciled to God. The question is more about how that knowledge of katallasso changes my actions.
Knowledge & Learning
I always told my students that behavior measures the difference between knowledge and learning. Facts and information are empty knowledge until they cause some change in behavior.
By that measure, I’m definitely part of the slow-learner class. Here’s an example.
A while back I made a list of personal priorities:
- Follow Jesus
- Take care of myself (health, sleep, read, keep the batteries charged)
- Serve others
- Tasks, lists, stuff I “need” to do
This list exists in my head as knowledge. I believe it’s correct. But I fear that what I do, how I behave, often fails to reflect what I know.
Empty knowledge. Same behavior. Slow learner.
It’s as though I live out the old Abbott and Costello comedy routine: Who’s On First?
Watch the video clip, but imagine someone looking at my actions and trying to figure out Who’s In First? (If you can’t see the clip, click here to view it on my site.)
Who’s In First?
“First” is too frequently occupied by tasks, appointments, and self-created obligations. If I don’t save the world, who will? Yeah, I know God already did that, but still…
Sometimes “first” gets crowded with excessive mindless entertainment like the TV shows or sports I have to watch.
Occasionally—often by accident or default—there’s actually a bit of space on “first” for serving others and caring for myself.
But “first” is usually far too congested to leave space for God. He might be somewhere on the list—after the really important stuff—but I’m afraid my actions demonstrate that God isn’t on first in my life.
I AM reconciled to God, not through anything I’ve done but by His grace and forgiveness.
So what’s my response? I know what Jesus did—the question is, “What have I learned? How does the knowledge change my behavior?”
Do I behave differently because I “know” Who’s In First?
Not nearly as much as I’d like.
What’s your biggest struggle in translating your knowledge of reconciliation into action?
This is our contribution to the One Word Blog Carnival hosted by Bridget Chumbley. I hope you’ll visit the carnival and check out the other attractions.
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