The Wisdom of Admitting What We Don’t Know: A Reflection on Life and Leadership
As I sit at my desk, I’m like many people—ready to share my opinions and perspectives. When a ballgame is won or lost, I find myself with a flood of reasons, flying through the air with great authority and sureness (of course, in the privacy of my study or den). When politicians make decisions that don’t align with my views, I’m quick to set them straight and tell them how to do things "correctly"—as long as I don’t have to leave my comfortable chair or the familiar surroundings of my home. We all have moments where we think we know best, and we may even quote scriptures to back up our beliefs.
But, truth be told, none of us know it all. While we each have our own way of looking at things, are we truly all-knowing? In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul reminds us, "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." Paul, in his wisdom, gently acknowledges that we don’t know nearly as much as we think we do.
Admitting Our Limits and Seeking Wisdom
Perhaps we should all strive to admit our limitations and seek the wisdom of God as we navigate life’s challenges. Instead of focusing on the unknown or the actions of others, we can focus on what God has called us to do. In 2 Chronicles 1:10, Solomon humbly prayed, "Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead these people, for who is able to govern these great people of yours?" Solomon didn’t feel the need to broadcast his opinions on social media or force his thoughts on others. He understood that true leadership comes from the wisdom of God, not from endless chatter or self-assertion.
The Value of Focusing on Our Calling
If I truly focus on what God has called me to do, I won’t have time to speculate about what others should be doing. I won’t need to scatter my thoughts across social media or waste my energy on things outside of my control. What I will find, however, is that my personal life becomes calmer, more peaceful, and more focused. Most importantly, I will become a better servant of my Lord.