The old adage ‘Ignorance is a bliss’, does not suit the present day situations that we have to face. An IT professional should be aware of the latest technology in order for his code to be relevant. A government official should know the by-laws and his duties to do his job effectively. We should be aware of the weather outside or the prevailing traffic rules before we step out of our houses. However, in the spiritual realm, man fails to walk with God because of his ignorance regarding the presence of God, who is always with him. Ignorance of the promises, assurances and provisions of God misguides man to lead a miserable life.

In Luke Chapter 19, Jesus used a parable to confront the people who thought that they are going to conquer Jerusalem as Jesus was nearing Jerusalem. They were ignorant of God’s Kingdom because their minds were filled with the concept of earthly kingdoms. Even today, many think that Jesus in that parable was talking about money management as their mind is filled with the concept of money. Jesus knew that man understands the concept of money better than anything else and used the concept of money management to explain the kingdom of God and the role of His people as stewards in it.

In the parable, Jesus called ten servants and gave them ten minas each before he went to be appointed as king. Some didn’t like him getting the Kingdom and when He returned as king he took account of what he gave to his people. Two of them came with a positive attitude and they were rewarded accordingly because they were truthful in the little things. If we are truthful in our family, office and society, definitely we will also be rewarded suitably. One among the ten servants came and gave the exact amount back because he thought that his master was cruel and feared his wrath, should the investment not bear fruits. The master ordered his people to take away what he has and asked them to give it to the one who had earned 10 more. From this, it is evident that if the joy of our salvation does not spread to the people surrounding us, we ourselves will lose that. Are we sharing that joy to others known to us or are we receiving their concepts to add fuel to our already complicated problem filled lives? Or are we sharing our temporary pains with them instead of sharing our eternal joy?

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 6, Paul tries to make us understand who we are in the Kingdom of God. Paul warns us against taking our problems to gentiles with an expectation of some solution. Paul reminds us that we are the people who are even going to judge the angels and if we are failing in this world to solve our own problems either by winning or by losing, then how will we be able to judge the angles. The book of Revelation tells us that we are the kingdom and the priests.

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. – Revelation 5:9-10

God is in our hearts yet no one even bothers to make His dwelling place comfortable and does not even realise who He truly is.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. – 1 John 4:4

We are the temple of sovereign God. When this truth constantly dominates our minds, Satan cannot come near us. Knowing these basic truths is very important to lead a successful life in Christ.

Because of Eve’s ignorance, sin had entered into her. She was ignorant of the truth that she had been created in the image of God. That is why when Satan told her that by eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil she will become like God, she agreed to do so instead of telling Satan that she was made in the image of God.

In the parable of ten minas, the third servant did not know who he had been serving. He was so afraid that he set apart the things given to him by his master. How many of us have set apart the word of God and make ourselves busy with the worldly things. Are we reluctant or afraid to come near God. The author of the book of Hebrews encourages us to come near God.

Let us therefore draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need – Hebrews 4:16