Hi friends, its Sunday and I was blessed to join other Christian faithfuls in fellowship today. It was a great moment of reflection and blessings. Let's share a few things that were obvious in my hearts as I shared fellowship with the brethren today.
Reading Hosea 4:6 which reads, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." is a profound statement that unveils the destructive power of ignorance. Indeed, people perish not because of their circumstances, enemies, or challenges, but because they do not possess the knowledge necessary to lead their lives successfully.
In simple words, Ignorance, is the lack of knowledge or understanding. It is often overlooked as a significant form of bondage. Most people focus on external struggles such as emotional, physical, or spiritual, but pay less attention to ignorance which is capable of imprisoning the mind and heart in a way that hinders true freedom. Ignorance keeps us in the dark, robbing us of the opportunities to flourish.
True freedom demands that one be able to confront his/her ignorance. The efficiency of knowledge and understanding is in the discernment of one's level of ignorance and confronting it. This confrontation could be considered the highest form of deliverance, which is capable of unlocking the doors to a man's wisdom, growth, and purpose.
The more one grows in knowledge, especially of God and the principles of life, the more they are empowered to walk in freedom. This knowledge shines a light on deception, ignorance, and misunderstandings, enabling us to make informed decisions, break negative cycles, and avoid unnecessary struggles.
In breaking out of the grip of ignorance, self-awareness is the starting point. Many times, people are so confident in their limited perspectives that they don't realize they are operating in ignorance. This can manifest in pride, stubbornness, or fear of exploring new ideas. Confronting your ignorance requires the humble disposition of acknowledging that you don't know everything and that there is room for learning and growth.
Proverbs 1:7 tells us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." Possessing a teachable spirit is where the journey of breaking out of ignorance begins. Resisting learning means resisting the very thing that can set you free. Just as deliverance from physical bondage requires acknowledgment of chains, deliverance from ignorance requires acknowledging the need for learning.
Personal development advocates teach that "knowledge is power" but knowledge alone is not enough. In James 1:22, we are reminded to not merely listen to the word, but should also do what it says, else, we become self deceivers.
Confronting ignorance requires faith. In the spiritual sense, ignorance about God’s nature, His promises, and the identity of His people can keep believers bound in unnecessary struggles. Many people live defeated Christian lives because they don’t fully understand the power and authority they have in Christ. For example, many are unaware that they have already been delivered from the dominion of sin and darkness.
Here is what Apostle Paul writes to the church on Colossians 1:13: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.". Being ignorant of this truth has caused many to still live as if they are enslaved by sin and guilt. Confronting this ignorance brings spiritual deliverance, and allows believers to walk in the fullness of their freedom in Christ.
It is important to note that deliverance from ignorance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. The pursuit of knowledge should be lifelong because ignorance can creep in through complacency.
Deliverance is central to the message of the gospel, as it reveals God's power to save, heal, and free His people from all forms of bondage. Throughout the Bible, God is presented as a Deliverer, the One who rescues His people from physical, spiritual, and emotional oppression. Deliverance is God’s gift to His people through Jesus Christ. It is available to all who call upon Him.