Understanding the Dangers of Not Knowing God’s Ways
Introduction
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “My people do not know my word,” you wonder what it really means. This isn’t just religious jargon. It’s a powerful statement found in the Bible, especially in the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. It has a lot to say about why some people seem lost, confused, or stuck. This is relevant even if they consider themselves spiritual or religious. Let’s examine the concept of spiritual ignorance. We will explore what the Bible says about it. We will also discuss why it matters for everyday life.
What Is Spiritual Ignorance?
Spiritual ignorance is simply not knowing or understanding God’s truth, His will, or His ways. It’s not just about lacking information. It’s a deeper issue. It’s a blindness or inability to see what’s really going on spiritually. The Bible says that even those who are supposed to be close to God—His own people—can fall into this trap.
Think of it like this: imagine someone who owns a car but has no idea how to drive it. They have access to all the benefits, but without understanding, they can’t use it properly. Similarly, spiritual ignorance occurs when people have the opportunity to know God. However, they don’t take advantage of it.
Biblical Examples of Spiritual Ignorance
Let’s look at some verses that talk about this idea.
Isaiah 1:3
“The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.”
Here, Isaiah uses animals as an example. Even an ox and a donkey know who their owner is—they recognize who takes care of them. But God’s people, who have a relationship with Him, don’t recognize or understand Him. It’s like forgetting who keeps you safe and provides for you.
Jeremiah 4:22
“For My people are fools; they have not known Me. They are foolish children, they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.”
This verse goes further, calling out God’s people for being foolish and lacking understanding. They are described as being talented at doing the wrong thing but clueless about how to do what’s right.
What Does Spiritual Ignorance Look Like?
You wonder how this shows up in real life. Here’s what spiritual ignorance often looks like:
· People go through the motions in their religious life but don’t really know God personally.
· They have all the traditions, ceremonies, and rules, but there’s no real connection or understanding.
· They excel at things that aren’t helpful, like gossip, dishonesty, and selfishness. They struggle to do good, show kindness, or forgive others.
· They rely on their own ideas, habits, or even other people instead of seeking God’s wisdom.
Spiritual Blindness vs. Lack of Information
It’s important to know that spiritual ignorance isn’t just not knowing facts about God. It’s more like being spiritually blind—you can’t see what’s real or important. You hear the truth a hundred times, but it goes in one ear and out the other.
Imagine walking into a room with the lights off. You can’t see the furniture, the door, or the obstacles. You trip, hurt yourself, or get lost. Turning on the light—understanding God’s truth—changes everything.
Moral Deficiency: Skilled in Doing Evil, Not Good
Jeremiah says people are “skilled in doing evil, but they know not how to do good.” That sounds harsh, but it’s something we see all the time. People can be clever, resourceful, and creative—but use those things to hurt others, get ahead dishonestly, or ignore what’s right.
Why Does This Happen?
It’s not that people set out to be bad. The problem is, when we ignore or don’t know God’s ways, we drift toward what comes naturally. These natural tendencies include selfishness, pride, and other negative impulses. Without spiritual guidance, it’s easy to get stuck in habits that make things worse, not better.
The Consequences of Spiritual Ignorance
The Bible is clear that the outcome of spiritual ignorance is serious. Here’s what can happen:
· Destruction: Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Ignorance isn’t just inconvenient—it can be disastrous for individuals, families, and communities.
· Rejection: God says He will reject those who reject knowledge. If people turn their back on learning His ways, they miss the blessings He wants for them. They also miss out on the purpose He wants for them.
· Spiritual Sickness: Isaiah uses the image of a body that’s sick from head to toe. Sin and ignorance make people spiritually unhealthy. The wounds just get worse unless the problem is treated by turning back to God.
· Loss of Direction: Without knowing God’s word, people lose their way. Plans fall apart, relationships suffer, and life feels empty or confusing.
Why Do People Stay Spiritually Ignorant?
Here are some reasons why people—even those who go to church or read the Bible—can stay spiritually ignorant:
· They’re comfortable with tradition but don’t dig deeper.
· Pride makes them think they already know everything they need.
· Fear of change or admitting mistakes keeps them from seeking the truth.
· The influence of culture or friends leads them away from God’s path.
Is There Hope?
Yes! The Bible never leaves us without hope. Even when spiritual ignorance is widespread, God wants to restore and heal. Isaiah talks about a remnant—a small group who stay faithful and seek understanding. God’s mercy is available to anyone willing to learn and turn back to Him.
How to Overcome Spiritual Ignorance
If you feel like you’re missing something spiritually, here are some simple steps to start growing:
· Get Curious: Don’t be satisfied with surface-level knowledge. Ask questions, read the Bible for yourself, and seek to understand God’s character and His ways.
· Pray for Insight: Ask God to open your eyes and give you wisdom. He promises to help those who sincerely seek Him.
· Learn from Others: Find people who have a genuine faith and ask about their journey. Sometimes hearing someone else’s story can shine a light on your own path.
· Be Willing to Change: Growth means change. Be ready to let go of old habits or ideas that don’t line up with God’s truth.
Conclusion
Spiritual ignorance isn’t just a problem for people in ancient times—it’s something each of us can face today. The good news is, God wants us to know Him. He wants us to understand His ways. He invites us to experience the depth of life He offers. By taking small steps to learn, listen, and grow, anyone can move from confusion toward clarity. They can transition from blindness toward sight and from emptiness toward real spiritual health.
If you’re feeling spiritually stuck, don’t give up. Start asking questions, turn to God’s word, and look for guidance, knowing that understanding is within reach. The light is always ready to shine—just flip the switch.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 