Data alone does not equal relationship does it? Though we may or may not be persuaded by information, there are nearly always gaps in our actual data, typically elements of our understanding and even approach to research that leave holes in our “certainty”.
Faith does not answer all questions. In fact many of us much of the time don’t even know what questions to ask.
Relationship based on long, close and regular fellowship with a person gets us closer to getting a real picture of who a person truly is that we may experience something much deeper than mere information.
According to Jesus in the Gospels there is an entity called satan or “the devil” who apparently has a fair bit of information about both the Lord and us. What he does not have is an honest relationship with God. Information does not equal maturity or being truly shaped and formed by truth.
Scripture speaks to this often. An obvious example is that enemy of Jesus quotes God’s Word to Him. He had no intention to live it, no real relationship of faith, love, trust, obedience to the Lord.
There is no doubt some have used scripture as a weapon, what the Book of Hebrews calls “the sword of the Spirit” and yet they use it to dominate. How often do atheists and/or agnostics use information to dominate? Conversations, events, all sorts of people are seen as targets to be struck for one’s own glory whether in winning a debate, controlling an electorate or subjugating a person or people group to the self-gratifying intent of the dominator?
Religious and non-religious people abuse information.
Spiritual types sometimes do it to create a god (not the true God- Father/Son/Spirit) of their liking. Non-spiritual people do it at times to judge God as if He were un-trustworthy -more like themselves.
This is why a deeper, on-going relationship is both a risk, often costs dearly, and is massively important to separating fiction from fact rather than merely “banking” on information that may or not be as solid as a slower version of quicksand.
Many decades ago I first discovered a piece of information: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.” (Jesus- John 14.6)
Our relationship has proved His words to me again and again. He is indeed exclusive, and has every right to be.
Things to consider?
As always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn
glennkaiser.com 