But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the
sake of Christ. 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 and be found in
him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which
is through faith in Christâ€"the righteousness that comes from God on the basis
of faith. I want to know Christâ€"yes, to know the power of his resurrection and
participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so,
somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.1
No matter how many people we meet or how many things we
accomplish in life, the greatest privilege is to know God. Nothing else can
give us the joy and satisfaction we crave. And yet, we often seek acceptance
from the world because we forget the treasure of knowing the living God.
Often, people say a prayer of salvation and are satisfied
with this first step. If asked, Do you know God?, most will say yes.
But there is a big difference between knowing facts about God and having a
personal relationship with Him. Believers must be constantly growing in the
knowledge of God and what He considers important.
Those who spend their lives depending on themselves never
really know God. He will manifest Himself to a heart that is honest and
transparent, not one filled with pride and arrogance. It is in our brokenness
that we know the Lord.
Are you hungry to know God? If so, ask, "Who are you?
What are you like?" Then open yourself to God, not for His sake, since the
Lord already knows you perfectly, but for your own sake (John 17-3). As you
spend time with your Heavenly Father, you will discover what a privilege it truly
is.
Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the
privilege You give me to know You. I ask You to help me to be humble enough and
recognize that I need You every day of my life. May I never feel so
self-sufficient that I leave you out. Let me hold on to You as the one
and most important thing in my life. I want to know you more and more every
day. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1.
Philippians 3:7-11 (NIV).
Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.