To Know Him

What is your devotional and prayer life like? If it is anything like mine it can be, at times, labored, hurried, or even at times completely distant from Christ. That is not to say that all my devotional life is that way, yet there are times when I feel like I am going through the motions. Last night I heard a brother in Christ(BIC) share Phillipians 3:7-10, and the Spirit really convicted me of my legalistic approach to bible study and devotion. Please click on the passage to read this if you don't have your bible handy.

In verses 7-9 Paul recalls how he had achieved much in the eyes of the world. He was highly esteemed by his colleagues, he had wealth, he had "righteousness" in the eyes of his peers. But Paul (then Saul) met Jesus face to face, his life was changed forever. He forsook all to follow Christ. To do His will and and be His "bondservant." He realized that in himself, He had no righteousness when he saw true righteousness in Jesus. He realized he had no wealth that could even be compared to riches of glory in Christ. And he realized that the only opinion that truly matters is that of his Lord and Savior.

I have read that many times before, but last night when I heard it followed by verse 10 I was rocked to the core. Paul goes on to describe how all these things are counted as loss to him, so that he may KNOW HIM, and the power of His Resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death. Paul understands who God is. He first seeks to know him. Do you? Do you seek to know him, or do you seek His benefits? I tend to seek his hand, his guidance, provision, protection, etc. I read about Him and learn about him through his word. I know alot of scripture by heart. But I have to be honest here, How often do I seek to see his face and spend time with him as I would my wife and child? no agenda, no requests other than to spend the time together. To know each other more. Yet, He has suffered to the point of death on a tree for that very thing. Paul had physically seen with his eyes, Jesus and His glory. He knew what was truly valuable. But we, as born again Christians also know, for we have seen the tremendous power of His love for us. We are forever changed and forever accepted by the Father as sons. Praise God! What could be more honoring to him and merciful to us than to seek him only to know him more, and feel His presence. The other stuff will fall into place, and yes we can and are called to go to him with our concerns, but our first concern should be to KNOW HIM.