Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance is a life of slavery to misinformation, superstition, unrealistic goals, unfounded biases and the fear of the unknown. Freedom comes from understanding one’s world. Knowing parameters protects us from dangers. My dog knows not to go into the street and thus she is safe from speeding cars. Therefore, the more we understand about God’s will for us and the important reasons underlying each commandment the freer we are to make life choices that bring blessings and the avoidance of sorrow.
“Thou shall not have any other Gods before Me,” says the first commandment. This is not given to us because God is some ego-centric jealous maniac who wants all our attention. It is common sense. Why worship other gods that are really not gods at all and are thus impotent? The wise course of action is to go where the power is. And not only is He the source of omnipotence He is also the fountain of love and grace.
Just think of the joy that is missed if someone is ignorant of God’s redemptive forgiveness and love. Not to know that one can begin to live forever right now is an amazing loss of happiness. To worry about one’s eternal future steals away a fabulous quality of life. Not to know that the trials and the pains of this life are temporary and will be replaced with an opportunity for eternal happiness is a calamity beyond words.
There is no question that ignorance is not bliss. It is a tragedy. There is a reason this story is called the Gospel. It isn’t just good news. It’s the best news.
Written by Roger Bothwell on April 14, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org