GOD WANTS US TO KNOW HIM.
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3 (NIV)
Have you ever noticed that some Christians define their faith by the things they do or don’t do? In years past, Christians would often say with pride, “I don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t chew, and I don’t go with girls who do.” Today this same statement is often said tongue in cheek, yet too many Christians are still living by similar systems of rule keeping. These list keepers are often seeking to create a religious system based on outward morality. Perhaps there is some self-satisfaction in this facade of religiosity.
True Christianity isn’t about rules, it’s about a relationship. We’re told this in our verse for today. Our faith, at its core, is about knowing Christ and building a relationship with Him. How exactly does one do this? How do we reject a religion of rules while pursuing a relationship with our Savior? It begins by accepting His death on the cross as a payment for our sin, which is the starting place for a relationship with Him. Our faith actually begins with a relationship with God. After one has become a Christian, the grand pursuit of faith is in pursuing a relationship with Christ.
How does one do this? By studying His Word, the Bible; by fellowshipping with other believers; and by worshipping Him—not just at church but also by offering our lives as a daily, living sacrifice. Our greatest endeavor in our faith is not the keeping of lists but in knowing Jesus!
Won’t you make it your goal today to know Christ more?
“I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.” Philippians 3:9 (NLT)
THINK ABOUT IT…
What does this devotional reveal to me about God?
What does this devotional reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?