The Danger of Knowing Just Enough

A few weeks ago my wife bought a new laptop and was trying to sync up her blackberry and also transfer some info between sd cards. She seemed to be having some challenges so of course she asked me to help, since i know so much about computers and blackberrys (not really). Anyway, I am always willing to help out wherever and whenever I can. I quickly took over the process and scanned through some of the on screen info. Although it would have taken another two minutes, I clicked 'next' until I came to a page that said 'restore'. Where I come from, restoration is a good thing so... I assured Trisha that this was the way to go and remember the look she gave me and the words she said, "if you mess up my phone..." nothing else was said and I can only imagine what she hadn't said! So with tap of the index finger to right click, the irreversible process had begun. I quickly arose from the couch to begin my nightly routine before bedtime. As I was brushing my teeth I walked back to the livingroom to see how things were going. She had disconnected the phone and was clicking and scrolling away with great anticipation. Suddenly, her jaw dropped and her eyes widened in amazement? No in utter frustration... "where are my text messages?" With the sonicare buzzing away, I shrugged my shoulders and sheepishly grinned. What had I done? If I had only taken the time to know a little more, I could have served her better. It would have been an investment in our relationship. Instead, I only knew enough to be dangerous.

In describing what the kingdom of God is like, Jesus told a story that is similiar to this, but with far greater consequence. In Matthew 25:14-30, there was a man who was taking a long journey and called three of his servants together to entrust them with his money. He gave responsibility to them based on their abilities. Two of the servants took the money, invested and doubled the money they were given. One of the servants buried the money and called it a day. After the long journey, the man came back and wanted to settle accounts with the servants. The two who had recieved more money based on their ability first declared to the master "you gave", then I invested, I earned double. The master was elated, called them good and faithful servants, celebrated them and gave them even more. When the master inquired of the third servant, the servant responded this way "I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate". In other words, you don't give, you take away! The master then called him a "wicked and lazy servant"! The master's heart had been totally misrepresented.