I came that they may have life, and have it more abundantly. -Jesus in John 10:10
Nothing tests our knowledge of God like a major life crisis. Fortunately, nothing has the potential to improve our knowledge of Him like a major crisis. A little desperation goes a long way.
We can know God on several different levels. The following categories of knowing Him can help us identify new areas for growth.
- Savior – If we don’t know Him as Savior, we don’t know Him at all. Our relationship with Him must begin with acknowledgement of the sin that has separated us from Him. When we trust in Jesus Christ to cleanse us from our sin and guilt, we become “saved” from our sin. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). So the key to knowing Him as Savior is faith. More here.
- Lord – This means we closely follow Him as our leader. We want to know and do what He asks. Jesus said, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I ask?” The key to knowing Him as Lord is faithfulness. Keep in mind in moments of indecision – He always has our greatest benefit in view.
- Master – Serving Him is crucial to knowing Him. We follow Christ’s example in using our God-given gifts and talents to be a blessing to others. The key to knowing Him as Master is maintaining a servant attitude to God and people.
- Life – Knowing Him as Life means we are drawing power and resources from Him. It means His peace and joy become ours as we lean on Him. Paul had so developed his reliance on the Lord during fiery trials that he could say, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in Me” (Galatians 2:20). The key to knowing Him as Life is dependence. And Jesus said He wants to give us an “abundant” life, which means a fulfilled life.
Paul said knowing Him better was the most rewarding goal of his life. He considered all other pursuits to be like cow manure (Philippians 3). What do you think?
Lord, reveal Your sheer beauty and awesome power to us; we want to know You better!
