In our last post we began the topic of knowing God. When we say “knowing God” we are not talking about an intellectual theological knowledge of God that has no power to impact our lives in a meaningful way. We are describing a relational and experiential knowledge of God that is transformative.
When we interact with someone on a continual basis it has some type of effect on our lives, whether positive or negative.
He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits." 1 Corinthians 15:33
The above passages are a mere sample of scriptural references emphasizing the importance of godly relationships and the danger of corrupt and foolish ones.
As is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. When we company with strong Christian believers, we can sharpen our walk with God, become more like Christ, and grow in grace and the knowledge of God.
Conversely, if we choose to partner with people of corrupt minds and behaviors, we can easily become tainted, negatively influenced, and possibly fall from our faith. If fellowship with godly men and women can have such a positive influence on our lives, how much more when we have a personal and deep relationship with our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son?
The Father invites us to be in constant communion with Him. He said His house is to be a house of prayer. We are God’s house. A spiritual edifice. He lives in us, but wants us to actively live in Him, love Him, fellowship with Him, draw near to Him, and have our being in and through Him. This takes a quality decision and commitment, on our part, and is something He will gladly assist us in achieving.
As mentioned last time, we can only know someone by spending time with them, learning their likes, dislikes, mannerisms, and ways. The same is true with God. We can only know Him by spending time with Him, whether in direct fellowship, study of His Word, prayer, learning about Him through fellowship with other believers or revelation of the Holy Spirit.
Knowing God should be the highest priority of our lives; not our career, winning the lottery, making millions, getting awards or other earthly achievements.
In the book of Psalms, the prophet David related God’s sentiment concerning the nation of Israel and their rebellion and continued disobedience.
"Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, 'It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.' So I swore in My wrath, 'They shall not enter My rest.' Psalm 95:8-11
God was grieved because they did not know Him or set their hearts on knowing His ways. How amazing, God wants fellowship with us, His creation.
It has always been God’s plan to have a people who will love Him and choose His ways. He is a God of love and relationship. He is not trying to keep us from knowing Him but leaves the door open for us to come and learn of Him and His ways. We will never know Him without first having a desire to know Him experientially and making that a priority. The privilege and choice to know Him is ours.
Therefore the LORD God of Israel says... those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.
1 Samuel 2:30
And Elijah came to all the people, and said, "How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him....
1 Kings 18:21
You can see it is up to us to choose a growing relationship with God. He already desires a relationship with us, and proved it by sending His Son, not only to die for our sins, but be raised from the dead for our justification.
The bible highlights multiple individuals who experienced a personal encounter with God that forever changed them. This is what you and I need, an encounter with the living God, not only through being born-again, but through an ongoing deep intimate fellowship that will continue throughout the eternal ages to come.
How does this fellowship abide and perpetually develop? Here are some steps you can take to that end.
1. Spend time with God in prayer and soak in His Presence.
2. Study His Word, the bible.
3. Fellowship with other believers.
4. Memorize God’s Word.
5. Obey His Word and voice.
6. Keep a running dialogue with God throughout the day.
7. Practice being sensitive to His abiding presence.
If you are desirous to know God, He will make Himself known to you in wonderful ways. You will begin to know how good He is and how much He longs for your fellowship. You are unique, so let Him teach you how to best connect with Him each day. It may be taking walks and telling Him about your day. Or it may be lying on your bed and conversing with Him in the middle of the night. He will draw near to you in those moments and make Himself known to you.
May your desire to know the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ increase and become your greatest priority in life.
This is a vast topic, but I trust the Holy Spirit to make it personal with you as He leads you into a greater knowledge of God.
Until next time, may God our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless and keep you!
James Brown CST 05/14/2023