Ignorance is Not Bliss

A Common Expression

The phrase “ignorance is bliss” is commonly used to refer to the situations in life where some things are better left not known. For instance, knowing the process by which food is processed and handled at a fast food restaurant might leave one with little appetite. Witnessing a surgical operation is not as important as knowing a surgeon that can perform one.

An Important Time to Know

There are many areas in life where knowing is not as important, and not knowing can be greater for one’s peace of mind. One’s relationship with God, however, is not such an area of life. There are many who have adopted a “knowing is not as important as the journey” philosophy regarding God and this is very dangerous for many reasons.

Ignorance is Not Bliss Because

No worship

There is no worship relationship without knowing the Father. Strong personal desire without knowledge is not enough (cf. Mat. 7:21). Worship “in ignorance” is not heard (Acts 17:23ff). You have nothing to offer God in such an exercise. Saying you “love God” with your lips without wanting to “know God” is foolishness.

No spiritual value

Many people in the world conflate the ideas of spiritualism and emotionalism. While “being spiritual” has an important emotional aspect, it is not solely emotion. The “peace of God” which surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7) describes more than a calm heart, it describes a calm mind. Saying you “love God” with your heart without wanting to “know God” with your mind is foolishness.

No excuse

The reality of all is that God calls on all men to repent of their sins (Acts 17:30). There is nothing of value in a life with no relationship with God through Christ, and such a relationship cannot exist without knowing God and His will. There is no middle ground, no “sort-of” knowing God but not seriously. In today’s world, being ignorant of God and His Word is a choice because that will is plain for all men to see. Saying you “love God” without wanting to “know God” through His Word is foolishness.

“Bliss” is Really a Curse

There will be a day when ignorance will become knowledge for the entire world. Every knee will bow and know Jesus is Lord (Phil. 2:9-11). At that moment, when for those who have ignored God and Christ it is too late, ignorance will not be bliss. It will instead be a curse for eternity.