I’ve heard it said if we considered all the knowledge that could possibly exist in the universe, it is conceivable that the most we could possess is 1% of it all. Consider history, biology, bacteriology, astronomy, as well as what has happened in the minds, words, and actions of every person who has ever lived. Honestly, if you spend a nanosecond thinking about all the possible knowledge throughout history, 1% feels generous.
But let’s just stick with that number for now.
Do you know what goes on underground in the cities of unnumbered colonies of ants worldwide? How about the secret life of bacteria in the intestinal tracts of every living being? What creatures traipse alone in the darkest, coldest depths of the ocean floor? What is going through the mind of a newborn baby when it makes its entrance into the world? How does a plant trap water, sunlight, and nutrients from the soil and transport it throughout its entire being? What is present in the midst of a tiny fraction of Saturn’s rings? What about the incredible processes, enzymes, neutrons, electrons, and protons within the trillions of cells that exist within our bodies right now? How is an eye developed? hat is love and why do some know it and others don’t?
Seriously, what do we really know for sure?
Not much. Very little. A miniscule amount. Next to nothing.
1% known
99% unknown
“Wisdom is knowing how very little we know.” ~ Socrates
“How little we know of what there is to know.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
“It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance.” ~ Thomas Sowell
“The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge.” ~ Daniel Boorstin
“The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.” ~ Proverbs 18:15
So, what does this mean for us?
For me, I am coming to realize I ask the question, ‘why’ in three different ways. The first way is in a self-deprecating, whiny, pitiful way where I am not really interested in finding out the answer. I simply want to be a baby and have people feel sorry for me and powder my fanny and give me my pacifier. This is silly and unproductive.
The second way I ask ‘why’ is in an accusatory way. I am asking the question of someone who has sinned, offended, or hurt my feelings, and I am completely appalled that they would exercise the same exact sin nature that exists in my heart and have the capacity to unexpectedly upset me.
I also ask this question of God.
Clearly, this mode comes from an arrogance and pride that states I am somehow above people sinning against me and bad things happening to me.
As if I’m greater than Jesus. *insert eyeroll here*
The third way is the way I believe that God has intended me to ask this question: with a holy curiosity. Why does the sun create such amazing colors that dance off the clouds during sunset and sunrise? Why does God create a whole field of wildflowers in a mountain meadow that no person will ever see? Why are newborn babies so incredibly fascinating and beautiful? Why does God continue to pour out His incredible love on me despite my wobbly faith? Why do I stay stuck in the same life patterns after all these years?
This way is designed to open up a line of searching, curiosity, and wonder with an expectation of finding the answer.
Or at least getting closer to the answer.
It requires searching, interest, pursuit, endurance, focus, drive, hope, and most of all…
Faith.
- Where in your life have you discovered that you are asking the ‘why’ question in a whiny way?
- Where in your life have you discovered that you are asking the ‘why’ question in an accusatory, victimized way?
- Where in your life do you need to ask the ‘why’ question in a humble, curious way?