Imitation of Christ – Chapter Two – The Problem With Knowledge
It is natural to want knowledge, but what good is knowledge if we aren’t surrendered to God? Someone who humbly serves God but lacks any education is higher in God’s eyes than a world-renowned scientist who doesn’t know that their own heart needs God. This is the problem with knowledge.
When we know our own heart we know how lowly we are. We don’t let compliments puff us up. If we have all the knowledge in the world but don’t truly love others then is God impressed by our knowledge? He will judge our lives by our deeds not by our knowledge.
Restrain your hunger for excessive knowledge because that only distracts and misleads us. Learned people are tempted to keep up an appearance of wisdom and hope they are recognized for it. Yet great knowledge is actually not much help to the soul. The problem with much knowledge is that it deceives us into thinking that we are now sufficient; it blinds us to our pride.
Dedicating our mind to knowledge outside of God is foolish. Words don’t make us happy. A holy and good life brings joy and faith in God.
“If you do have knowledge consider all the things you don’t know, including the ways and mysteries of God”
Remember that God holds us responsible for what we know, so the more we know the more there is to judge. Therefore, match your knowledge with holiness. Do not show off your knowledge but rather be cautious.
If you do have knowledge consider all the things you don’t know, including the ways and mysteries of God. Proclaim your ignorance in order to keep yourself humble. Don’t be set on your own knowledge; you have much to learn from others who are more knowledgeable than you. Rejoice when others think of you as lowly. Don’t give in to the prideful problem with knowledge.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) “Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Rom 8:16) Even when others sin don’t think of yourself as better than them. We all have weaknesses and frailties; focus on your own shortcomings not others’. Don’t belittle yourself either but rather see yourself as God does: as a child.
(Today’s post is an interpretation of the second chapter of the most popular devotional book in the history of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ. It was written by a monk (or possibly several monks) in the 15th century named Thomas a Kempis.)
