Astronomers believe the universe is about 93 billion light years in diameter, and that it holds about ten trillion galaxies. That number is likely a big underestimation, but it doesn’t matter. My head cannot grasp that information. In fact, look into any detail, direction, or dimension of anything; the only thing we know is that we don’t know. We don’t even know what we think we know. Apart from certain matters of faith and the heart, we don’t know much about anything.
Yet, the great cultural mold of our time demands certitude. On everything. When’s the last time you heard or read these beautiful words—“I don’t know?” We humans strut around our porch or planet, boldly pronouncing scientific, political, historical, and moral pronouncements that have no connection to reality.
So, what makes us so cocksure of … anything? How did we get caught in the loop where what we know becomes the enemy of what we don’t know? When I consider the size and complexity of the universe, my opinions carry as much illumination as pointing a flashlight at the sun. Yet, we often think everyone waits for us to speak.
For example, as a publisher, I know stuff about moving stories and ideas from authors’ minds into published forms. But new skills, shapes, and technologies make me the dumbest guy in the room. My knowledge, training, traditions, preferences, emotions, and memories mean zero. If I lean on my knowledge, I will fail. Every time.
So, how can I turn that into strength? I must be vulnerable and ask questions. In fact, in all areas of life, I should listen more than speak, test more than theorize, and inquire more than proclaim.
And I’ve become very comfortable with not knowing. After all, I wake up in a new world every day. I know nothing.I can only proceed in the confidence that I and others can find the right path through vulnerability, collaboration, and trust.
Here’s my quick “4H” reference guide for finding the best path forward:
Humility
Humus is the Latin word for “soil,” “human,” and “humility.” Genesis 2:7 says God formed humans from the soil. So, humility recognizes our earthly origins and our mortality (“dust to dust”). Biblically, life is modeled by a seed falling into the soil and dying before it can rise into real life.
Honor
Every person who ever lived was created by God. So, where do we find the right to revile anyone? We do not see, know, or love anyone as their Creator does. That may be why the Bible directs us to show honor. For example, the Apostle Paul told Timothy, “Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father.” [1]
Does that apply to Donald Trump or Joe Biden? If not, why not?
We honor people, not because of their philosophical, religious, or cultural alignments, but because of our common Creator. Big question: can we treasure those who disagree with us? Must we delegitimize those who see things differently?
Home
Every marriage, every family is a lab where we work out the details of commitment, fidelity, respect, reconciliation, and intimacy—before we’re ready to join the larger society. Home is where we detect and absorb the truths about love, weakness, transgression, confession, forgiveness, and trust. When you hit the wall, go home. Confess. Cry like a Cat-5. Love your family. Recharge.
Humor
A sense of humor reflects confidence and trust. When we cannot laugh about politics, money, religion, health, sex, technology, and other arenas of life, we assign a power to them that is inappropriate and deceptive.
Most people carry heavy loads, and they do the best they can. Where do I find permission, or authorization, to make their load heavier? How did politics, bias, and tribalism release me to invalidate anyone? Shouldn’t I try to encourage everyone I meet? If I find nothing encouraging to say, I can at least be silent.
First, do no harm.
The Timberline Letter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
[1] 1 Timothy 5:1 taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION, Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
