The Duty of Knowledge

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding

Philippians 1:9

The pursuit of knowledge is something that we all strive for daily. Even if we don’t always realize it, we’re constantly learning from the world around us to become better equipped for success—or, at the most basic level, survival. In a world of explosive advancement, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence, we’re being stretched to stay adaptable, curious, and malleable in how we engage with information and technology.

The point is: learning is constant.

This is especially evident in the field of medicine. Learning and adapting are not optional— they’re essential. If doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are not staying up to date with the most recent guidelines and therapy, they are not providing the most optimal care to their patients. And more than that, outdated knowledge can cause real harm.

For example, in the 1950s, a medication called Thalidomide was introduced as a sedative and treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women. It was marketed as safe, and women found significant relief in symptoms while taking it. But in the 1960s, it became evident that Thalidomide caused severe birth defects, affecting over 10,000 children worldwide.

I don’t share this story to expose the flaws of medicine, but instead to illustrate how quickly our understanding evolves. Every single day, new research is being published that demonstrates new treatments, new medications, and new surgeries that are improving the experience of health in the world.

The Hippocratic oath prioritizes beneficence as one of its pillars of ethics. Simply put, beneficence means to do good. If we remain stagnant, we watch as the enemies our bodies are fighting – whether bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even our own cells – will continue to evolve and thrive.

In other words, knowledge is a part of our moral and professional duty.  

Just as physicians have a duty to pursue knowledge for the sake of their patients, we too have a duty as believers to grow in our understanding of God's love and truth for the sake of our souls and those we serve.

We are constantly under attack spiritually. The enemy studies us. He looks for our weak points and waits to strike when we’re most vulnerable.

We recently finished the season of Lent, where we learned more about the temptation that Jesus endured during his 40-day fast. The devil attacked him when he was drained– physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Do not expect the devil to spare us from the same.

Draw nearer to God and find comfort in his presence.

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

James 4:7-8

That is why it’s essential to grow in our knowledge and understanding of God’s love, so we are better equipped for the battles we face. Get to know Him through his Word. Challenge yourself to pursue deeper understanding every day.

There is no endpoint in this journey. No gold medal at the finish line.

But that also means that there is no ceiling to what you can learn about God, so don’t limit yourself.

Our relationship with Him deepens as we press into what we don’t yet know.

Growth looks different for everybody. There will be spiritual highs and lows, mountains and valleys in your faith journey. But don’t get complacent. Keep pushing into the discomfort of what you do not yet know.

Try incorporating a few of these into your rhythm of life as you continue to grow:

·       Ask God to help you remain teachable – Learn from those in your community who are in different stages of life and faith. Their experiences may reveal new aspects of God’s character.

·       Be curious – Don’t be afraid to wrestle with difficult questions.

·       Acknowledge that you’re still growing – You don’t have the full picture yet.

·       Reflect on how far you’ve come – Show gratitude for the growth God has already worked in you.

·       Engage with learning in ways that bring you joy and energy – Find what fuels your spiritual curiosity and press into it.

In Philippians, Paul wasn’t talking about growing in knowledge of the world, or medicine, or whatever else it may be that sparks your intellectual curiosity. He was praying for growth in love – a love rooted in a person. He’s urging us to press deeper into the core of our faith: understanding the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.

For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.

Philippians 1:10

Knowledge in medicine may save lives. Knowledge of Christ transforms them.

If you would like to share any feedback, personal experiences, or thoughts with the author, please email coleton.evans@tcu.edu.