What Will You Do with What You Know

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from John 11:46, ” But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did. “

Background

I remember hearing when I was growing up, ” It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it. ” Consider these two expressions: ” Psychotherapist ” and ” Psycho the rapist. ” Exact same letters, but worlds apart in every other way. Now I know the saying from my childhood was more about sharing unpleasant news or differences of opinion in a kind and respectful manner.

The truth is, whoever said ” 10% of conflicts are due to differences of opinion, and 90% are due to the wrong tone of voice ” probably wasn’t off by much. There’s another saying that goes, ” It’s not what you know, it’s what you do with what you know. ” There’s probably a lot of truth to that, too. But sadly, the more accurate saying for today’s society is likely, ” It’s not what you know, but who in your social network knows what you know. “

Application

Ultimately, it does matter what you do with what you know. Scripture is full of teachings on the responsibility we have to do well with what we have been given. And the command to go and make disciples is the intentional design to do much with what we know God has done for everyone. When Jesus brought Lazarus out of the grave, many saw what He did and believed in Jesus. But some saw the exact same event, witnessed the exact same miraculous power over death, and went to get Jesus in trouble by telling the Pharisees. Everyone there at the gravesite knew the same thing. No one missed the posting on Facebook and was therefore out of the loop. All that happened was plain and on display. But some did not see God’s glory in it.

Many of us will witness the same things taking place in our church, or share in the same circumstances with the rest of our family at home. But how will it affect you? What will you do with what you know? Will you be inclined to respond with grace and faith in the hopes of greater glory for God? Or will you retract and find offense? In the name of Jesus, and for the sake of the lost, let what you see and what you know be used to enhance God’s kingdom.

Charge

As we seek Him today, let God take what you know and show you what you need to do.