No matter how much we learn, we’re never satisfied in knowledge. There is always something new and interesting to learn isn’t there? Something deeper or something else. I’ll go out on a limb and say we typically learn something new every day. If we are satisfied about our knowledge in a particular area, then we feel inclined to explore something else. This thirst and curiosity for knowledge is a blessing from the Lord, and as far as we know, we have an unlimited capacity to learn. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 1: 17,
“Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.”
Solomon learned that acquiring knowledge for the sake of knowledge is meaningless. But we can use knowledge to worship GOD and bring glory to Him. Then, the correct application of knowledge and the fear of the Lord will bring true wisdom.
In Heaven, there are no more tests for character development because pain and sin are absent and we have been judged at the Bema Seat, but we will develop knowledge and know like we have never known. Unlike mortal life, we won’t get frustrated and give up because we cannot comprehend a particular field of study. We will have joy and excitement about learning new concepts, truths, information and ideas.
There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Proverbs 20:15
I have heard some people claim that we will automatically know everything once we enter Eternity—this is a fallacy. Our minds are not infinite like GOD’s. We are not designed to hold total knowledge or complete wisdom. If we knew everything, life would be boring. There would be nothing new to learn about people, nothing new to discover, no deepening in our relationship with GOD–nothing new period. Knowing everything would be a curse and it would take the excitement and pleasure out of life. Why have a conversation if I already know what you’re going to say?
Isn’t it exciting to know that our glorified brains will be vastly superior to what we have now. No more issues of “brain fog”, brain “farts”, something clouding our judgement, Alzheimer’s, or other problems that inhibit our thinking or disrupt our brain activity. I’m sure you can recall a moment in your life where you forgot something important. Many times, this happened because you were overwhelmed or stressed out. A glorified brain will have a mental ability that far exceeds a mortal brain. It will not be corrupted by sin, neither will it its acuity be affected by worry, doubt, self-preservation or stress because those inhibitors are absent in eternity. It has been estimated that our mortal brain can store upwards of 2.5 million gigabytes. That’s quite a hard drive. Imagine what a glorified brain can store and compute!
There is a verse in Isaiah that might cause some confusion about this topic.
For behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. Isaiah 65:17
We could easily assume GOD is telling us that we will not remember our former life on Earth and we will receive a memory wipe of all emotional wounds, hurts and anything negative we experienced on Earth. But remember the story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus? The rich man, who was in torment, recognized Lazarus who was across the gap in paradise. The rich man also remembered he had brothers and he was concerned about them because he knew they did not worship God and he did not want them to come to this place of torment.
This verse in Isaiah means, as the “years”, or, “time” elapses in eternity, our memories of our former life become hazy and less important. Certainly, it’s difficult for a seventy-five-year-old person to remember first grade and what their frame of mind was and how they viewed the world. Similarly, as Eternity unfolds, higher thoughts will occupy our minds. Nothing will be more important than the present wonder of our daily experiences.
Eternity will be the ultimate learning ground. What Jesus has prepared for us will be astounding. It will never grow old. It will never be stale. It will be Heaven.
Reflection
Ultimately, Jesus is what satisfies us, but we will continue to learn more about Him—remember, He is infinite!
What would you like to ask Jesus?
What activity would you like to do with Jesus?
Where would you like to walk with Jesus?
What would you like Jesus to show you?
In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:3