What keeps us in everlasting ignorance? 

“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”  Herbert Spencer 

Shame tops the list. However, before we get into that, let’s investigate 5 other BIG contributors:

1. The Illusion of knowledge – Knowledge is power. Ever hear that one? When we think we already understand something and stop questioning, learning, and investigating, that is when our ignorance has more power than we do!
2. Fear of being wrong – No one wants to be wrong right? Fear is a BIG BIG overarching human instinct that often prevents us from growing. As we talked about last week, if we don’t surrender, the EGO “protects” us and keeps us in ignorance. 
3. Conformity and Social Pressure – Peer pressure and feeling of wanting to fit in makes this option “feel safe”. Not calling out wrongs or just going along with the crowd is a toxic elixir additive and contributor to community wide ignorance. 
4. Controlled Information – This is a BIGGY too. For those who are trapped in a world of “Us vrs Them” – they think they are right and the others are wrong. Yet their information source is from a controlled environment and ultimately they are the uninformed ignorant actor.
5. Cognitive Bias – This term reminds me of a friend who I can hear her saying “confirmation bias”.  Meaning, since I have a certain belief, and I can find “evidence” that supports my belief, then I must have the truth. This short circuit thinking provides a quick path for us to ignore information that contradicts our beliefs. 

Here is the 6 of it all: 

SHAME is the BIGGER FEARMONGER that keeps us in everlasting IGNORANCE. 

Shame – Is the oldest one in the book! Its root goes back to Adam and Eve when they hid because they were naked and felt shame (fear/afraid) after they sinned. 

Shame is the very first sign that something is wrong Spiritually!

When we feel shame, it means that we know we are not right with God. Ignoring this sign will only dig you deeper into the hole. Shame is often a BIG contributor to why people stay the course in unhealthy and toxic situations. I relate this to my addiction, but this can apply across the board. 

For me – case and point – the shame cycle repeated itself with sexual acting out. It was shameful to look at porn and act out, as this is a direct violation of my marriage vows. In addition, the content and act itself is shameful. Who wants to admit that kind of stuff right? The shame from the event produced inner arguments such as “no one knows. It’s not that bad. At least I didn’t X.” This feeds the ego and the shame deepens, all giving “license” for me to return to the behavior and repeat the cycle all over again. If you can’t relate to to my story, then put your story of repeated shame into mine and see what you get!    

God’s hope for us is to repent of our sins to rid ourselves of the shame. The only shred of shame that is good, is when our conscience convicts us in a healthy manner. Meaning: We feel shame and do the work 4 being guided back to God. When we repent, we unleash the power of the resurrection of JESUS – who came to relieve us from our shame – Redeeming US. 

Isaiah 54:4 — “Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.”

Joel 2:26–27 — God promises His people “my people shall never again be put to shame.”

Romans 10:11 — “Anyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

There is just ONE who will bear your shame…