Let The Ignorant Be Ignorant

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

“If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” (I Cor. 14:37, 38)

It is just a fact of life that there are folks who choose to stick their heads in the sand and ignore the truths of God’s Holy Word. Peter even use the term “they willing are ignorant.” (II Pet. 3:5) The word “willingly” means that they choose to be, are determined to be, and prefer to be. There are as many reasons as there are people, however, we must understand, whatever the reason, they purposely set themselves to be ignorant of God’s revelation of Himself and the way unto eternal life. They make the choice “willingly.”

The word “ignorant” in our text implies “to ignore. That is, their ignoring of God’s Word is a willful act. They do not choose to know or accept the full teachings of the Scriptures. They ignore God and the will of God! For this reason there are a multitude of religious groups in the world. Even under the umbrella of “Christianity” many choose to ignore the truths set forth in the Bible. Paul reveals: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Rom. 10:3) This was true not only of the Israelites in Paul’s day, but it has been a fact throughout the ages of many groups of people. Some choose to ignore God! This makes them the enemies of God. One is either for or against God’s witness of the true way unto righteousness; there is no middle ground, no gray areas; there is only friend or foe.

These who choose to be ignorant of God are the emissaries of Satan. Of which Paul writes: “Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (II Cor.15) One who has the Holy Spirit as his teacher cannot and will not set his face against God determining not to receive, believe, and witness of that which is true. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, …” (I Jn. 3:10) Of everyone determining to ignore the truth of God, He says they choose ignorance, so let them remain ignorant.