Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV). [7] “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11] and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”
John 17:3 (NLT). “And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.”
“The Privilege of Knowing God” by In Touch Ministries:
“Nothing else brings the joy and contentment we find in a personal relationship with God.”
“Regardless of how many people we meet or how many wonderful things we do in our lifetime, the greatest privilege of all is to know God. Nothing else can bring the joy and contentment we yearn for. And yet we frequently chase after worldly acceptance because we forget the treasure of truly knowing the living God.
Oftentimes people say a salvation prayer and remain satisfied with this first step. If they’re asked, “Do you know God?” most will say they do. But there’s a vast difference between knowing facts about God and personally relating to Him. Believers should continually be growing closer to the Father—always learning more about who He is and what He considers important.
When people go through life depending on themselves, they never really know God—He will reveal Himself to a heart that is honest and transparent, not one that’s full of pride and arrogance. It is in our brokenness and helplessness that we discover who the Lord is.
Do you have a genuine hunger in your heart to know God? If so, ask Him, “Who are You? What are You like?” Then open yourself to God, not for His sake—He already knows you perfectly—but for your own sake (John 17:3). By spending time with your Father, you’ll discover you are privileged indeed.”
[Photo thanks to Toa Heftiba at Unsplash]
