The other day, I had the most delightful conversation about Donald Trump with my brother. We didn’t agree on many things. But it was delightful, because we both acknowledged that we didn’t really know the answer to solving this country’s problems. We had good guesses, but in truth, neither of us had the solution. So we left the conversation smiling.
I’m convinced Christians should be more okay with saying “I don’t know” when it comes to all sorts of things. Here’s why.
It’s Humble
There are a few things I know – things the Bible tells me so. But beyond those things, there’s a lot I don’t know. Acknowledging that brings humility into the conversation. The good thing about being humble is that Jesus promised we would inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
It’s Honest
I remember doing speeches in college based on research papers. I was good at bull crap. When a teacher asked me a question, I could usually seem confident enough and use my common sense to come up with an answer that sounded pretty good. But the truth was, I had no idea the real answer. Their question was beyond the scope of my research. I think the professor knew that and gave me grace, though.
In the real world, others don’t. I can tell when someone’s just bull crapping through the conversation. And it makes me want to stop listening.
Let’s be honest in conversations. We don’t have to have all the answers, just the answer for the reason for the hope that’s within us. (1 Peter 3:15)
It’s Endearing
That type of honesty and humility – admitting when you don’t know – is endearing. It makes people want to have conversations with you, because they know you aren’t trying to sell them something. If we want to have an influence on those around us, we need them to want to listen to us. I believe “I don’t know” is the first step to that.
I’m not espousing agnosticism. I’m espousing intellectual honesty. My belief will always be in my infinite God, but my knowledge will always be limited. I want to quickly admit that.
