FALSE CLICHES

We often like to use clichés in our conversations. A cliché is defined as “a trite, stereotyped expression; a sentence or phrase, usually expressing a popular or common thought or idea, that has lost originality, ingenuity, and impact by long overuse.” Some are true, such as, “Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Others are false, and perhaps harmful. “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” The cliché I would like for us to think about today is, “What you don’t know will not hurt you.”

How many times have we heard this statement, or said it ourselves? It just is not true. In 1982, seven people died after taking Tylenol which had been poisoned with cyanide. Did any of them know they were taking poison? Probably not. Did their lack of knowledge provide them any safety? Definitely not.

I have also heard this phrase used in religious discussions. It may be said in different ways, but the idea is that if you do not know God’s will about a subject, He will not hold you accountable. One way it is used in by referring to people in a particular area who do not know about Jesus or His gospel. The idea promoted is that since they are ignorant of the gospel, they are in a safe condition with God. Another idea is that if you do not know or understand a particular aspect of the gospel, you will not be held accountable. For example, if you do not know or do not understand that baptism is essential for salvation, you can be saved without being baptized. If you do not know there is one curch, you can be saved in any church.

I am afraid many people are being misled by such thinking. Paul says, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30). The Athenians had built an altar to the unknown god and were worshipping such in ignorance. Paul says that the one they were worshipping without knowing he would declare unto them (Acts 17:23). Were the Athenians safe in their ignorance? If so, were they still safe after Paul preached to them? According to Paul’s statement, they were lost in either situation. There is also something else to consider. Suppose for a moment there is a group of people who have never heard the gospel. If they are safe in their ignorance, the worst thing we could do is teach the gospel to them. They now know the gospel; they no longer have the excuse of ignorance; they are now in a lost condition. If they were safe in their ignorance, the best thing we could have done was to leave them alone.

Ignorance is no excuse, and what you don’t know will hurt you.

--Lamar