Factors That Deter: Ignorance

“…having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;” (Ephesians 4:18 NKJV)

Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge, thus rendering every person ignorant in some ways; however, the way it’s used in the above verse isn’t simply a lack of knowledge, it’s a deliberate avoidance of the truth that is evident and can easily be known and verified. That’s what’s killing millions today who aren’t necessarily ignorant of the Truth of the Gospel, but are choosing to ignore it’s implications for their lives, yes, even those who profess to know and love Jesus.

Notice the verse above points out two very real and debilitating effects of living our lives while ignoring the manifold efforts of God to draw us to Himself. First, our understanding is darkened. It means to cover or block from our mind what is obvious or, to use a common expression – is “in our face.”

Psalm 97:5 says: “The heavens proclaim His righteousness; every nation sees His glory.” One application of the word “proclaim” in this verse means “to talk or recount,” with the clear implication that God uses His created world to speak into our lives the goodness of His presence.

“All Wonders” “Used by permission, © Ray Majoran, GlimpseOfInfinity.com”

Paul reminds us in Romans 1:19-20: “They know the truth about God because He has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature. So that they have no excuse for not knowing God.”  

So, why are people so blinded to the obvious? Because Satan has darkened people’s minds and hearts to anything holy and righteous that may turn them to God. That’s why it’s so vital that we, as His followers, live holy and “separated” lives. Not separated in the sense of never having contact with those who are lost, but in the sense that our lives, like all of nature, can illustrate what a life separated unto God can look like: lives of joy, peace, patience, goodness, meekness, love, faithfulness, kindness, generosity, and many others manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence living in and through us.

Secondly, the verse says that when someone deliberately chooses ignorance of all God is doing to point them to Him, it leads them to being alienated from the life of God. That’s why it’s so important that we allow the Holy Spirit to create in us a clean heart with pure motives as we live Christ before our loved ones and friends.

The difference only Christ can make in our lives needs to be put on display, not so people in our spheres of influence will make much of us, but to point them to Jesus so they can learn to make much of Him. Who will magnify Jesus in and through their lives if we don’t? If lovers of Jesus won’t put Him on display, who will? If the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts aren’t declaring His majesty, how will those whose lives ours touch be freed from their ignorance?

And even as children of God, our self-imposed ignorance of the Bible and even the basic principles of godly living, are killing our witness and pushing lost people away. When those who profess faith don’t read the Bible, spend time in prayer, or even attend corporate worship regularly, how can they expect to influence others to follow Jesus?

When we who claim to walk with Jesus illustrate no visible difference in the way we think, act, or live than those who don’t know Him, who are we trying to fool? Certainly not God! Only Jesus can lift the darkness of our lives to enable us to be light and life to those who are walking in darkness – in and outside the church.

Blessings, Ed 😊