Photo by Al Jazayiri from Pinterest.com
Being a student in high school, I remember constantly failing math courses regularly. And every time, the bad grades genuinely caught me off guard because I came out of the examination hall feeling like a boss. I was too sure I crushed all the questions. I particularly remember this time, when we were taught set theory.
As usual, I failed the test. So, I was angry and very frustrated because I was so sure I knew it, even though the test didn’t go that well. And I did something that genuinely changed my life.
I resolved to study. I made a personal commitment to myself to study so well before the examination, to make sure failure was not a possibility. I told myself that my ignorance would no longer be an excuse for my failure. Now, I honestly cannot remember the grade, but here is where I am going.
Many of us hold our ignorance up like a trophy or a medal, forgetting that our ignorance, or lack of knowledge, ultimately does us more harm than good. One thing I have constantly heard Bishop David Oyedepo say is, “What you don’t know, you pay for.” Reflect on that and let it sink in. What has your ignorance cost you in the past? A relationship? A salary raise? Health? Time? Money? Or, like me, good grades?
Now if you think I am trying to be poetic, you’re wrong. One common scripture from the book of Hosea is this: “My people perish for lack of knowledge“. Looking through the book of Matthew, it is obvious that Jesus was a committed and consistent reader. In chapter 22, He uttered really profound words that we seem to be taking lightly. He said, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God“.
In addition to this, Jesus constantly asked the Pharisees, “Have you not read where it was written?” Many of us, and that includes me, are asking questions that will be answered by simply knowing and reading where and what was written. This is not even from a religious standpoint. Our ignorance and lack of knowledge are costing us too much, and we don’t even know it. Or maybe we do, but we are not aware of the significance and impact on our lives.
Sometimes, it is what you know that lays the tracks and paves the path to your success. Knowing a course better means you can excel at it. Knowing a tool better means you can use it more efficiently. There is always something to know, and something to learn. Besides, it is said that people will pay for what you know. Investing in knowledge is an investment in self, and it will always yield greater returns.
The answer to the question of many, and the solution to the problem of the masses, sometimes is a phrase, a sentence, a paragraph, or a book away. But we are occupied with everything else, and blinded to the one thing we really need, being too ignorant of our own ignorance. I therefore urge you to pick up that book and read it. Make it a habit. Comment on this post with what book you resolve to read.
Reading, studying and learning is not for school, it is for life. Know that and know growth.
Your Beloved Partner in Growth,
xoxo P.
