The more I think I know, the more I’m sure I don’t know enough.
I’ve told you before that I’m very slowly grinding my way through The Bible Project’s classroom study on the Sermon on the Mount. I’m astonished by the number of times even Jesus’ simplest statement actually links to a number of places in the Old Testament. And if you study those links, his statements take on significantly deeper wisdom.
Makes me rethink the notion of quoting a verse or passage because of its “obvious” meaning. Most of the time, it might not be so obvious.
One thing, however, is crystal clear. Jesus was concerned about our hearts and about our relationships to God and each other. The deeper wisdom I referenced above is almost always aimed at helping us create better connections with God and our neighbor. Whenever I read something that seems to conflict with that notion, I need to re-read and study more.
I also thought for a long time that the Bible was a rulebook. I’m now almost sure that’s not correct. I think Jesus came to show us how to live – not the rules, but a way of life based on his wisdom and a few simple principles.
I believe I can study for the rest of my life and never completely comprehend the full depth of his teaching. But I can do what I know.
I know about 22 kids who need support, kids who were rescued from the horrors of human trafficking and now have the opportunity to live in freedom.
My team and I can do what we can to support those kids, to create awareness and bring people into the community that surrounds them with love.
I’ll continue my classroom study, realizing how much I don’t know and trying to learn a bit more. I hope you will do that as well, and whatever format you choose.
But let’s never let what we don’t know stop us from doing what we know he asked of us:
Do our best, and trust him for the outcome.