Is ignorance bliss? Sometimes.
I have not been on social media much over the past couple of weeks. Nor have I been watching the major news networks.
I’ve discovered my blood pressure has come down and my temperament has evened out a couple of notches.
I still read the newspapers to keep abreast of major items. And, fortunately, most of that news is opinion–free.
I don’t need the inflammatory rhetoric that comes from either “side of the aisle.” Those kinds of comments are designed to stir emotions, causing people to get riled up to support one side or the other.
So, in this case (at least for me) ignorance is bliss.
In another area, however, ignorance is disastrous.
When one doesn’t know what the Lord says about living life, about how to treat other people, about how much one is worth to God, disaster can settle in.
In Isaiah 43, God said, “I have called you by name, you are mine!” When that message is heard, it can bring great comfort, but you have to know this.
In Hebrews 8, the Lord said, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Yes, God will forgive your sins, and they will not be held against you, but you have to know this.
Luke 18 states, “God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them.” It is important to understand that God will give what is needed, not what is wanted, but you need to know this.
Psalm 136 states, “He remembered us when we were in trouble. His love continues forever.” God is with you in every circumstance in life. He will never abandon you, but you have to know this.
Matthew 10 states, “God even knows how many hairs are on your head.” You are known intimately by God, but you have to know this.
These passages from the Bible are just a few of the numerous reminders of who God is, who you are, and how much you mean to God. God never abandons those he loves. You are loved by God, and the door to forgiveness is open wide, but you must enter through that door.
Don’t be ignorant of what God has to say to you. That kind of ignorance can be disastrous.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ignorance not always bliss