And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, so the LORD gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. (Jdg 13:1 ESV)
So often, we think we know what is best. Best for ourselves, best for others, best in this world – politically, economically, in health, in relationships. Yet the history of mankind seems to indicate that we are sadly mistaken the overwhelming majority of the time.
We just don’t know enough.
We decide based on our own knowledge and experience, but also on our fears, expectations, anger, bitterness, insecurity and a host of other emotions. What we believe is best, is usually what we want or is the most comfortable or convenient. Rarely do we see a best that is more beneficial to someone else while requiring a great sacrifice on our part.
We just don’t know ourselves enough.
In Star Trek, they had the Prime Directive. This supreme command was in, around and over all other commands. It was the idea that mankind just didn’t have enough information. We zigged when we should have zagged. We stood when we should have sat. We walked when we should have run.
And we never seemed to see it until we put out our own eye.
The Prime Directive prohibited Star Fleet personnel from interfering in the natural development of another species or civilization. Usually it meant “less developed” societies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SsF15wTWU4
We don’t always have enough information. We don’t always know enough. But if we will follow God’s principles, even when they don’t make sense to us, He will make up the difference.
I get it wrong way more than I get it right, but it’s okay. God’s got this.