by Tom Wacaster
“The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” It has been four decades since the United Negro College Fund used this catchy little phrase to help emphasize the need to educate men and women of all races. The famous quote remained unchanged for more than thirty years and has come to be a part of the American vernacular used by lay persons and educators alike to drive home the point of the necessity of education. Over the years other phrases and quotes have drawn our attention to the power, and even the danger, of a good education. “The more you learn, the less you know.” “A little learning is a dangerous thing.” It has been more than four decades since the advent of the personal computer. We used to think those “geeks” who hid themselves in their back rooms and closets had become “educated beyond their capacity.” Little did we know that their much learning would lead to the technological advancements we have experienced since those early days of computers.
Luke records the arrest and interrogation of Paul in Acts chapters 21-28. Having been arrested on false charges by his fellow Jews, he was interrogated by a chief captain, the Jewish council, Festus, Felix, King Agrippa, and even the high court of Rome, Caesar himself. Of particular interest was Paul’s encounter with Festus. Having made his defense before Festus, and following Paul’s closing appeal to the resurrection of the dead, the governor responded, “Paul, Thou art mad; thy much learning is turning thee made” (Acts 26:24). In other words, “Paul, you have been educated beyond your capacity.”
Knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Terrorist groups have some obviously intelligent personal in their organization. I read just last week that such organizations have now produced a liquid explosive. According to the report, clothes are dipped in the liquid, hung out to dry, and presto, you have an explosive that you wear. Light a match, and you literally become a living Roman candle.
The proper use of knowledge, however, can be a wonderful blessing, as is evidenced by all the good that has been accomplished in the last two or three centuries. Scientists, medical doctors, astrophysicists, et al. have contributed vastly to the betterment of mankind. But a good working knowledge of God’s word far exceeds all the knowledge that man might acquire through much learning in human institutions. I am not criticizing secular education; I am simply saying it must be kept in proper perspective. All the education in the world without a knowledge of God’s word leaves one illiterate and uneducated in matters of importance. But a good knowledge of the Bible with only a first grade education will produce wisdom that far exceeds that of the ancient philosophers of Greece or Rome.
With these things in mind, let us ask, “How should the Christian use his knowledge of things holy and divine?” Here are some suggestions.
First, we should be humbled by this knowledge. Knowledge tends to puff up (1 Cor. 8:1). This does not mean it has to; it just means that it has a propensity to do so. All of us have known the educated fool who thinks he is much better than others simply because he has a degree from some prestigious college or university. A brother in Christ once told me that when I arrived at his level of education I would understand better why he believed a particular (and obviously false) doctrine which he had embraced. We dare not allow our knowledge to produce contempt in our hearts for the less fortunate, those less educated, or even those who have been deceived by false teachers.
Second, knowledge should compel us to be more considerate of the less informed. Paul wrote, “But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Cor. 8:9). To the Galatians this same apostle penned these words: “For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another” (Gal. 5:13). Knowledge in and of itself, is of no value when it comes to eternal values. If our knowledge of God and His will in our lives does not compel us to share that knowledge with others, then we have missed one of the greatest responsibilities of this God-given gift to man.
Third, knowledge will give certainty to our faith. It is tragic that some allow their knowledge to destroy their faith. A good case in point is the increasing number of young people who go off to college only to have the professors destroy their faith in God. One brother observed, “One of the sad casualties of higher education—even for preachers—is loss of faith.” Learning, coupled with solid faith in the word of God, is a good thing. A study of archaeology, science, languages, and history will enhance our faith provided we have a healthy attitude toward the scriptures.
Fourth, knowledge should produce a willingness to sacrifice some of our personal liberty for the greater good of Christ and His church. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Wherefore, if meat causeth my brother to stumble, I will eat no flesh for evermore, that I cause not my brother to stumble” (1 Cor. 8:13). Paul was not talking about giving in to every cantankerous troublemaker. He was talking about foregoing our rights for a brother who did not have the knowledge to make reasonable and sound conclusions. It is with such immature, but growing brethren that we forego some of those liberties God has given us in Christ. Guy N. Woods touched on this very point with these words: “This is an example of waiving one’s own liberty for the sake of another’s conscience—waived, not surrendered! Paul deferred to a weak brother, because he was weak, to keep him from stumbling.”
Fifth, knowledge should make us grateful. I sometimes wonder why God has blessed me with the wonderful opportunities I have had to study His word. I’m not talking about a casual reading, but the time and circumstances to drink deeply from His word. Words cannot express my appreciation to the Father, and to the brethren, for the support given, and the time provided that are necessary to do what I do. To whatever degree you have time and circumstances to read and study, in all things give thanks to the Father.
Finally, knowledge should never be kept to oneself. God never intended for His people to be educated in His word for the sole purpose of knowledge. The Great Commission is evidence of the divine intention. In addition, Paul wrote: “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).
The founder of Investor’s Business Daily, William J. O’Neil, is credited with saying, “People who hope to influence what goes on around them develop the habit of reading great books.” I would add one element to that observation: “People who desire that their influence extend beyond this life into eternity, for both themselves and others, make it a habit to read and study the Bible.” Only within the pages of the inspired book can be found the knowledge that, once acquired, will educate us, but not educate us beyond capacity!