I’ve always enjoyed watching Jeopardy on TV. It amazes me the vast knowledge some of the contestants have. One thing I’ve thought while watching is, “What does all that diverse knowledge do for them?” Yes, it’s important to have a broad, basic knowledge of history, society, etc. But, can it go too far?
I believe so.
Don’t Sacrifice Focus for Breadth
It’s easy to get caught up in ‘collecting’ knowledge. YouTube, the Internet, search engines; these all offer us opportunities to see and hear about things that, in years past, could only be found after lengthy and tedious investigation. This easy access to knowledge can cause us some problems; we can become overloaded with information or allow what’s available to misdirect us.
We need to be selective in the way we inform ourselves. We shouldn’t sacrifice focus for breadth. In other words, collect knowledge in a way that it leads to a productive result; that it gets you from where you are to where you want to be.
A Jack of All Trades; A Master of None
This search for knowledge was predicted in the book of Daniel. He wrote that in the last days people will “go here and there to increase knowledge.” That might be good, but collecting a ‘hodgepodge’ of knowledge doesn’t produce a focused outcome. When we don’t have a purpose to what we hear and see we become “A jack of all trades; a master of none.”
This applies to what we know about the Bible. Now this might be controversial to some but I’ll say it anyway; there are believers who have a vast knowledge of Scripture, but it isn’t changing their lives. Yes, they know the Word, but they don’t know the Truth. It’s undirected ‘head’ knowledge.
When the Holy Spirit teaches, he does it in a way that changes how we think and live. His kind of knowledge is focused on something in our lives that we need to adjust. That’s directed knowledge!
Set Goals
The key to acquiring knowledge is to have a goal. Prayerfully consider what information you need to move forward in life. One way is to research the knowledge required to achieve an objective. Another is to take stock of your life and assess the areas that you are lacking in or empty and seek a solution.
Action Plan
- Assess your needs and desires.
- Set goals.
- Investigate what knowledge you need to realize your goals.
- Train yourself to listen to and follow the Holy Spirit.
Copyright © 2022 Curtis A. Guyer All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
*All scripture quotes, unless otherwise noted, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Biblica®, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
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