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Remembering We Don’t Have All the Answers
We live in an age of nearly instantaneous access to the answer to every question. At the tap of a screen, we can look up scholarly articles, world news, medical diagnosis, and commentary on every subject known to man. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we’re more enlightened than those who came before us—or worse, to assume we already have everything figured out.
But history has a way of humbling us.
Take, for example, the fact that up to the early 20th century, cocaine was used prevalently in all kinds of products that were regularly consumed by the public. It was found in toothache drops, children’s medicine, and beverages for a quick pick-me-up. It wasn’t seen as dangerous or immoral—it was praised by respected doctors of the time. It must not have looked stupid at the time, and this was only a century ago — a mere blip in the total human experience.
A century from now, what will future generations say about us?
The Christian Call to Humility
We must always keep in mind that we are time-bound. We don’t know what we don’t know. It is impossible for us, as individuals, to fully understand the world around us — even with the aid of smartphones in our pocket.
And believers are reminded of this frequently through the Word of God. Scripture continually puts before us that true wisdom begins with humility.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
— Proverbs 9:10
This fear of the Lord is not about being scared of God’s judgment—it’s about having reverent awe; a posture that says, “God knows much more than I do.” It’s a reminder that, even with our technological advancements, we are still human. You and I are not all-knowing, and we are certainly not infallible. It is good for us to remember this often, lest we become arrogant in our understanding and our personal relationships suffer as a result.
Cocaine in medicine is just one of many examples that prove how limited our human understanding really is. What we are sure of today might be proven false tomorrow. You and I must resist the cultural pressure to speak with unshakable certainty about every issue, trend, or controversy that comes across our feed. Christians are given an advantage with the infallible Word of God, but even so, misinterpretations can easily ensnare those without a posture of humility.
This is particularly true for pastors, elders, and other spiritual leaders. Pastors are called to shepherd their flock, and feel the pressure to speak boldly on the issues of the day. This pressure to lead the charge, while rightly motivated, can cause them to be slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to anger (the opposite of James 1:19). Too often, online platforms meant for connection and encouragement can become habitats for controversy and ego. In many cases, churches would be better served if their pastors stepped away from their social media accounts.
Wisdom ≠ Certainty
In the digital age, opinions are easy. But wisdom is rare, and wisdom often looks like admitting we don’t have all the answers.
The Apostle Paul puts it plainly:
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, as I am fully known”
— 1 Corinthians 13:12
Even Paul—who wrote a majority of the New Testament—acknowledged that his understanding was incomplete. If Paul could say “I know in part, but then I shall know fully”, surely we can as well.
Living with Open Hands
So how do we walk humbly in the digital age?
- Stand for your convictions with grace. Especially on complex or controversial topics, be quicker to listen than to speak.
- Remember the limits of your perspective. Don’t confuse current consensus with eternal truth.
- Stay rooted in Scripture. God’s Word is timeless, even when human wisdom shifts.
- Pray for discernment. Ask the Spirit to guide your heart and guard you from pride.
We’re not called to be omniscient. We’re called to be Christlike. And Christ, though full of divine knowledge, walked with humility and compassion—even toward those who were wrong.
