​Ignorance is often willful and self-imposed. The inspired apostle describes some as being “darkened in their understanding” (Eph. 4:18). Jesus describes them as loving “the darkness rather than the Light” (Jn. 3:19).
Light exposes the nature of our deeds (vss. 19-20). For that reason, many prefer darkness to light – ignorance to the knowledge of the truth. According to the Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you” is an expression that has been around for centuries, the oldest written version dating back to 1576.  Back in the day, it would have read:

“So long as I know it not, it hurteth me not.” The dictionary goes on to comment: “More recent practical experience, as well as empirical research, suggests the opposite.”

What you don’t know can hurt you! While this can be easily illustrated in the natural world, it is also true in the spiritual realm. God lamented the spiritual unfaith fulness of His people, saying, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6).
Correspondingly, Jesus spoke to believing Jews of His day, saying, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (Jn. 8:31-32). In both instances, life-knowledge is under consideration.
However, we cannot properly apply what we learn to our lives so long as we ignore His teaching or choose to abide in ignorance. Instead, we are to be like newborn babes, longing “for the pure milk of the word” so that we might “grow in respect to salvation” (1 Pet. 2:1:2).

We leave no stone unturned in our effort to properly educate our children so that they will not experience the pain of not knowing things essential to their happiness in this life. But, how have we fared in passing on matters related to their eternal salvation? What they don’t know will hurt them! Before it is too late, we must earnestly teach our children to know God and obey His commandments (2 Th. 1:7-10).

​Glen Elliott, Greenbrier Church of Christ

The history of the life of David is recorded in three Old Testament books, but it is in the book of Psalms that we begin to understand the heart of David. His heart is so important because it is so much like the heart of God (1 Sam. 13:14). There is somewhat of a parallel to David in the life and writings of Paul.
It is in the book of Acts we learn so much of the details of the life of the great apostle, but there are historical events revealed in his epistles. In a similar way, the heart of Paul is revealed in his letters, and they often give us insight as to the spiritual depth of his devotion to God and the truths of God showing the nature of his heart in serving God. Consider the following to see some of these truths.
“I AM PERSUADED that neither death nor life…nor things present nor things to come…shall be able to separate us from the love of God” (Rom. 8:38-39). Do you wonder how he could give up so much and endure such suffering? Do you struggle in your trials and seek motivation for all that is around you? Write these words from Paul on your heart. Be fully persuaded that there is nothing on this earth, neither in the demons of hell, which can keep God from loving us.
I AM NOTHING. “Though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing “(1 Cor. 13:2). Imagine having complete understanding of all things and having all faith. Paul emphasizes something far greater than these and that is love. It was not that he was just persuaded of God’s eternal love. Written deeply on his heart was his
responsibility to place love above all of these. Write these words on the depths of your soul as you seek to imitate Paul as he imitated the Lord (1 Cor. 11:1).
“I…AM PERSUADED that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Tim. 1:12). The life of every person on this earth is committed to something. We are investing all of our time and energy to self, to sin or to things much higher. Paul looked at every decision he made as an investment and knew the Lord would never forget them. You may, like Paul, have to turn the other cheek to those around you. You may have to bless those who are cursing you and to make decisions about what you must give up to follow Him. Think about these choices as being registered in a heavenly book which some day will be opened. Trust God to remember it all, even to as small a matter as a cup of
cold water.

​As you read Paul’s doctrinal discussion in his writings, remember to discover
hidden truths which show his heart.

David Sproule, Palm Beach Lakes Church of Christ