“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.” – Forrest Gump
I often feel like Forrest, because what I don’t know far exceeds what I do know, and some of what I know is probably wrong. And like Forrest,
I do know some very important things. Most of the time, not knowing doesn’t bother me too much. For simple things which I don’t know I have Google and YouTube, which can quickly teach me what I need to know. For more complicated matters I have access to doctors, mechanics, and financial advisors to help guide me through the complicated modern life in which I live. I am careful not to confuse my Google search and library research with people who have medical degrees, certification in engine repair or others who have spent years understanding the finer points of how to manage money.
The list of things I don’t know or understand is long.
Like Forrest, although I am not a smart man, there are some things I do know. I understand that people and relationships are more important than money or possessions. I understand that the millions of little, seemingly insignificant decisions we make add up to become who we are. I understand that consistently saving a little money over a long period of time, and living off 80% of your income, is the path to wealth. I understand that seeking to know and follow God’s will for our lives leads to the best possible life. I understand that much of our health is related to having a good diet and regular exercise. And I understand that good mental health is largely granted to those who practice the habits of happiness, which are not easy, but over a long period of time yield impressive results.
I also understand what I don’t know. I have some opinions about the economy and taxes, but I really struggled in my economic classes at the university and have NO idea what a good fiscal policy would look like for the United States. I have traveled to 28 different countries and lived in four. I have studied history and read several books on world politics, but I know that I know almost nothing about what a good foreign policy would look like. One more example? I have spent most of my life studying the Bible and thinking about who God is and how I should live for His glory. And yet I must confess that His ways are above mine, and much of the time I am unsure of His plan for my life or the world.
What is interesting is how often I talk with people who think they are smart because they have done a Google search, gone to church for years, or listened to the news. They talk like they know exactly what God is like and how we should all live. They know exactly what is wrong with the government and are sure if they were in charge, they could fix everything. And even though they have never taken a class in ethics, or worked in the legal system, they know what is wrong with the criminal justice system and, if they were given the chance, they could fix it.
I like being a teacher, a life coach, and a pastor, not because I’m smart or I know a lot, but because I know a few things that are important. I like talking to others, especially young people, not because I am smart and have a lot of answers, but because I can ask simple questions that help them think better about life. I know what love is and I know how we can be happy regardless of our circumstances.
In a complicated world, where so many people have such strong opinions, I wish more people could say, “This is what I think, but I really don’t know, it is complicated.” I wish that people with really strong opinions would carefully read books written by smart individuals who are on the other side of the issue, not so they would change their minds, but to simply admit their own opinions might be in error. I wish more people would get curious and really listen to others who disagree with them.
I pray that today you could humbly admit there is a lot you don’t know and what you do know might be in error. I pray that you would get curious about why intelligent, reasonable people disagree with you. I pray that all of us could admit that we are not very smart.
