Start with What You Know

“David, you’ll be held accountable for everything you know.”

That’s a statement someone made to me early in my recovery. It’s one of those statements that’s stuck with me over the years. I started thinking, “Seriously, is that true? How much do I truly know?”

I had a grandmother who read me Bible stories throughout my life. I lived at Northwest Bible College in Minot, ND from the ages of 5 to 7. On Sunday mornings, as a child, I’d sit in the pews of Riddlesburg Church of God, doodling while listening to the pastor deliver sermons.

Most recently, I had spent the last year of my life at Celebrate Recovery, retooling my thought patterns to stay sober. I had definitely acquired a lot of knowledge.

Then, we had a lesson about Step 12.

Having had a spiritual experience as a result of these steps, we tried to share this message with others and practice these principles in all our affairs.

It certainly sounded like this was asking me to move from being a “pewer” and step out of my comfort zone to becoming a “doer.” But first, what does that look like, and who will listen to me? I felt dirty and wretched. I had a year or so of sobriety under my belt, but it’s the pastor’s job to tell people about Jesus. They’re the experts, right?

“But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” (Luke 12:48 NLT)

I’d read somewhere that accumulating information from sources like books, the internet or mentors is called knowledge. And applying that knowledge is wisdom. I knew that in my addiction, the enemy allowed me to do a lot of things. I just wanted to do the things the Bible promised.

Now, I understood that much was required because God had been helping me clean up the messes I had created, and who wouldn’t want some of that?

So, how do I muster up the courage to take this knowledge and apply it?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5 NIV)

• Think About It: What is troubling you? What areas do you need more wisdom in your life?
• Pray: Prayer is just talking with God. Seek His guidance and assistance in making wise choices.
• Listen: Be open to hearing God’s answer through His word, advice and emotions.
• Apply the Wisdom: Put it into practice in your life.

I think it is really cool that the Creator of the universe wants to give us direction. Even with our stuff that we don’t want to share with anyone else. His intentions are not to condemn us, but to help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves, and to look more like His son when others see us. Begin by embracing the responsibility of what we know.

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the opportunity and the willingness to come to You. Lord, this world is crazy sometimes, and I pray that, before I get overwhelmed with life, I seek Your counsel because You promise to give us wisdom in any situation that we come to You with. I pray, Lord, that I have ears to listen and the courage to apply what You are showing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5)

Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month's featured promise. Learn more.