Knowing Him

There were lots of things I did not know about my Beloved Husband when I first met him. We were engaged for a year, and only scratched the surface of learning what was important to him, what his goals were and where I fit into his life. He made adjustments for me, while I believe I made fewer for him.

I learned quickly that he wished my happiness. He enjoyed my company and wanted my attention. I spent time asking him about his likes and dislikes, seeking ways to please him and bring him happiness, too.

Our children came along and we made adjustments for them, finding that loving others in no way lessened our love for each other. We all learned, and responded to the knowledge we gained of each other.

Each of us also came to love our Lord, Jesus Christ. We’re still growing in knowledge about Him, and there is much to learn. Paul wrote of his own experience.

Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (Philippians 3:8-10 KJV)

I thank God for His blessings that I have not suffered the loss of all things. By God’s grace I was born to parents who came to serve Him, not being required to forsake family to kneel before Him, as Paul did. Not as Paul, required to leave co-workers and friends whose studies and beliefs no longer matched, were no longer acceptable.

Paul saw the power of his resurrection, the blinding glory of the risen Christ, finding in Him the righteousness which is of God by faith.

The majority of my life I have worshipped Him, studying His word. The most I can say is that there is so much more to learn.

Unlike Paul, I have additional family responsibilities. I have been blessed by Him with a comfortable home, surrounded by family and friends and given the opportunity to serve Him in a local church. Many do not have these blessings. Some come to Him in pain, facing the same losses Paul did. I think of one missionary who placed his life in God’s hands, the only protection against a religion and a government that promise him physical harm. Yet, as Paul, he continues to preach to the unsaved.

I thank God for the opportunity to support such work through prayers and offerings, just as churches supported Paul. This, too, is part of the growth in knowledge of Christ.

How can there be complacency in a Christian’s life? Did we choose Christ to save us from hell or did we make a choice to serve Him? Do we simply feel comfortable within our salvation, without a desire to get to know Him better?

Or, do we continually grow closer to Him, strongly desiring not only knowing Him better but to please Him? We’ve done much more for other relationships, and this one will last through eternity.