Wired reports that IDC, a technology research firm, announced that the world generated 161 billion gigabytes of digital information last year. That is equivalent to:

• 161 exabytes
• 12 stacks of books that each reach from the Earth to the sun
• 3 million times the information in all the books ever written

University of California estimated 2003’s production of information at 5 exabytes, which means that our information production for 2006 was over 32 times more than that of 2003.

What does this mean for ministers?
It is truly a privilege to have access to such a wealth of knowledge today. At the same time, this privilege comes with responsibility.

Ministers must remember that this wealth of knowledge is an accessory to the Holy Spirit. God’s guidance should be the road map and blueprint for what we do. Man’s knowledge is only helpful if it helps us better do what God wants us to do.

I see two key responsibilities for ministering in an age such as this:

1. Keep doing what God wants you to do.
   God’s plan is always better than the wisest of man’s plans (1 Corinthians 1:25). Book smarts cannot compete with God smarts. Follow His guidance.
2. Identify what knowledge can help you better fulfill God’s plan.
   Just because God’s wisdom and guidance is superior, does not mean you should stop learning. Instead, continually seek to learn new things that can help you better accomplish what God is leading you to do. Doing what God wants you to do requires learning how to do it. Your church has a unique calling so what works for one church may not work for your church. Fortunately, God’s guidance will keep you on track as long as you continue to pray and keep Him first.