Why?????

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of the God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:6

How many times have we heard the phrase “because I said so”? How many times have we found ourselves participating in an act without having first-hand knowledge of the reason WHY? How many times have we repeated or referenced something we heard (scripture, quote, statement, whatever) without knowing the origin? Far too often we are judged or thought of as disrespectful for asking “Why?” or “How do you know?” Wow…how contrary that could be to the Word of God. True, some things come from shear faith….but for those things that do not…..

Hosea 4:6 tells us that without knowledge, we are destroyed. I’ve enjoyed a few conversations on this topic and I have concluded that knowledge is power---but only if one also has the understanding to use the knowledge properly. A teenage knows that when you turn the key in the car’s ignition, move the steering wheel and press the pedals in the floor: the vehicle moves. That is knowledge. Until that teenager gains an understanding of how to effectively operate the vehicle, effectively utilize the knowledge they have, they cannot legally operate the vehicle.

When I think about all of us who have “been in the church” so long, I wonder how may of us have “knowledge” without understanding. The best way to accomplish something, consistently, is to truly understand the “WHY”. Every government law, office policy, class rule, etc. was established for a reason. In my opinion, once we understand the reason, the source, we are more likely to apply it without hesitation. The same applies to the spiritual life.

Take the time to reflect on your normal practices, habits, beliefs. WHY do you go to church on Saturday/Sunday? WHY shouldn’t you have sex with someone who isn’t your legal spouse? WHY do/don’t you exchange Christmas gifts? If your answer is “because someone said so” or “that’s how it’s always been” then I do believe you’re lacking understanding. I fall into the same category.

Perhaps if we understand why we do what we do, we are more content doing it and less likely to turn away.