The Danger of Knowing Too Much
I love social media. I think it’s so incredibly cool that I’m able to connect with people all over the world in a matter of seconds. It’s great for keeping in touch with friends from near and far. It’s also a great way to spread the word about various causes and issues that would otherwise not find their way to our attention.
Like most things, however, what can be a tool of great communication can also be used as a source of great fear. It’s hard to turn on the TV or open up the computer without seeing news of a new illness to fear, a new potential hazard to our children, or a danger in our vicinity. It can really make one feel as if the world is falling apart all around them.
So how do I stay in touch with the things happening around me, absorb the wisdom in knowing of them, and yet, not allow them to control me with their fear-inducing suggestions? The answer, I believe, is in balance. It’s a good thing to know what’s happening around us. It’s a good thing to know of potential dangers to my children so that I can protect them to the best of my ability. What’s not a good thing, however, is when I allow the things I see or read to instill a fear in me that controls my thoughts and actions.
For some of us, we are under-informed and could really benefit from a trip around the internet block. Do some reading, get some knowledge. We have resources available to us today that could have saved lives as recently as a few years ago. For others, however, we are over-submerged in knowledge. We jump at every new headline, we know exactly what happened in the last hour nationally, and we can tell you the latest tragedy that occurred in our area. As a result, we have lost focus on Christ and His authority in our lives, and have, instead, become filled with dread over our present and futures.
Let’s try to find balance in our knowledge. When we feel out of touch, let’s get out there a bit and find some info. But when we start to feel overwhelmed with all we’re seeing and hearing, let’s take a step back and go to the one source that is our constant: God’s Word. It never changes and it always remains the same.