Soul Scientist

“I don’t know” = IDK

IDK is probably one of the most embraced phrases in science because of the reality of “the more we learn, the less we know”. For example, physicists before the 1920’s used to think there was nothing new left to discover in physics. That is, they thought all was already known because of the reliability and predictability associated with Newton’s laws of physics (gravity, every action has an equal and opposite reaction, etc.). Yet, at the same time, Einstein and Feynman, et al., were starting to see the much more of studying quantum mechanics. How glad we are that they denied the end of physics and opened that door! For quantum mechanics is how we have computers, AI, and a lot of things our world revolves around (pun intended!).

At the same time, IDK is probably one of the most disliked phrases in science because of the pervasive fear of being exposed as not knowing every answer. Seeking to understand a process or phenomenon is the real driving force in research. The underlying idea is if we can understand something, we (at least in theory) can control it. Consider AIDS, SARS, Ebola, and COVID-19 – every part of those viruses were fast and furiously researched so we could “defeat” them and deny death for many.

As humans, whether we’re scientists or not, we like control because we love pride. We don’t need to go any further in Scripture than Genesis chapter 2 to see that idea played out. No matter how many years or generations it’s been since Adam and Eve, Jesus is the only One Who fully understood every bit of everything yet was without sin (see John chapter 8). Jesus chose the cost of our sin so that we might be made righteous and know God (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

We don’t yet know the fullness of God or even one tiny Planck-length of His power, presence, provision, protection or purpose, for that matter (see Isaiah chapter 55 and 1 Corinthians 13:12). Nor do we know the fullness of fear, sin, death, and grave conquered. But we know enough to know we can fully trust God in all His ways and with His working (see Psalm chapter 136). As importantly, we can know all His ways as good because He is good (see Genesis 50:20).

Scripture tells us we will be set free by knowing the truth and thus, we should tell others about Jesus (see John 8:32). With that in mind, we must always remember that all need to know the truth about following Christ Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6 KJV). We can’t know what we haven’t been told or shown. As Christ-followers, every one of us has experienced someone telling us the truth in love about Jesus, both in words and in deeds (see Colossians 3:17 and Ephesians 4:15).

Even the Earth itself tells us about God, His steadfast kindness and unfailing love, and His good plan for all of us to come and dwell with Him in the now and the glorious not-yet of heaven (see Romans 1:18-20, Psalm chapters 8 & 23, and 2 Peter 3:9).

As Christians, we are tasked to declare the truth about Jesus with our words from our hearts and minds in God’s strength and our love for others from God’s love for everyone (see Psalm 19:14 and 1 John 3:10). Our words don’t need to be lyrical or in the language of the Bible to be exactly what someone to hear when he or she is seeking hope and help. For as Christians, we are called to proclaim truth and love in every word and deed, whether we write books for thousands or thank-you notes to our neighbors or whether we preach before many or prepare meals for one.

I used to write and speak to feed my insidious pride. Now I write and speak while fighting much insecurity which I now know is just thinly-disguised pride. And I keep writing and speaking because I want others to know God for themselves, in an ever-increasing faith that can overcome every fear (see 1 John 4:18).

Thus, I surely hope and pray the following might describe everything I write or say:

Every word, an obligation and an opportunity.

Every word said from redemption and restoration.

Every word, a grace and a generosity.

Every word said with patience and peace.

Every word, a love and a lasting memory.

Every word said for hope and hospitality. 

I hope and pray those descriptions might apply to my words every day. Because IDK what a reader or listener might need for his or her faith to flourish today. But I do know this: God can and does and will take my little bit of obedience and use it for His glory to be proclaimed and good brought to His people.

Nothing can stop God from bringing good from everything for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (see Romans 8:28). And nothing includes that much of my pride and the little of what I know.

Similarly, knowing that truth gives me the courage today to keep praying, to keep listening, and to keep writing and speaking…and to do it all over again tomorrow…and I surely hope it might do the same for you, too!

Proverbs 25:11 (CEV) is a great place to start today for all of us: The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.

written by and copyrighted to Beth Madison, Ph.D., 2026.