When to Say When

Let’s be honest. At the restaurant, when the waiter says those two words “say when” we have all thought let’s see how far I can take this. It’s a test of limits between how much we really need to be satisfied, and how much they are willing to dish out. Sometimes in our pursuit of more garnishment the waiter stops before we have said when and we feel cheated. This happens when our focus has shifted from the actual entrée to our control over the experience. The waiter at the restaurant knows that at some point you are being excessive, and will alter the enjoyable concoction that is the meal the chef has provided. How does this relate to our Christian walk?

Recently I had determined that I would do an in-depth study of the Bible. Although I have read it through several times, now I would make charts, do etymologies, and follow well-researched timelines in a pursuit of greater understanding of scripture. Starting of course in Genesis, this had me reading Lee Strobel’s The Case for a Creator and diving into resources on the Answers in Genesis website. Yes, I am a huge nerd! (I blame my nearly twenty years of being an educator.) So there I was, studying a paper on nuclear fusion versus gravitational force as the fuel for our sun, after reviewing it having been created on day four (Gen 1:14-19), when the thought hit me of how far am I willing to take this? While it is good to have a sound understanding of such things, they are not the main focus. The real meat and potatoes is God’s word, and not the perceived control we have in knowledge of the world.

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the world has been created by the word of God so that what is seen has not been made out of things that are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3NASB

In this day and age we have gained a greater understanding of how the world and we ourselves function. Does that make our faith less than people of old who lacked such knowledge? I don’t believe so. Jesus had more understanding of the world than any human in history and a faith that was uncompromising. There is a gap between what we know and what we choose to believe. The bridge between our understanding and our faith is hope. Our faith can shape our understanding; our understanding can strengthen our faith. Back and forth, and the vehicle for this is the expectation “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) That is the hope within every believer.

I am not one who thinks greater knowledge and faith are at odds with each other. Look at Paul’s hope for the Laodiceans, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and that they would attain to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.” (Col. 2:2-4NASB) We find that a deeper understanding is a sure footing on which we as believers may stand. Yet, while we have attained so much knowledge in the twenty-first century, more still remains beyond us. There are some things we may never fully know, but we strive nonetheless. Will we feel as though something is being kept from us as we demand more, or will we trust that He that knows all is allowing us to savor the full experience of faith? Pursue understanding, but be content in knowing when to say when and lean in to Jesus.

“It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to me-“
‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭45‬ ‭CSB‬‬