When I was a child, everything was about me, 1 Corinthians 13:11, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things." But, when I grew to know Jesus, everything became about Him. There is a big difference between knowing Jesus and knowing about Him.
John 17:3, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." How can we know that we know Him? 1 John 2:3, "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments." We keep His commandments, not because we gain anything from doing it; instead, we keep them because it is who we are becoming, and His commandments are not grievous, 1 John 5:2-3, "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." Abiding in Him is easier when we know how much Jesus loves us, which is enough to die for us, Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Many know that Jesus died for our sins. However, some know why Jesus was willing to do this. He did it because of the great love for us, 1 John 4:19, "We love him, because he first loved us.". When we move the eighteen inches from our heads to our hearts, we feel the love, which is much different than knowing about it, 1 John 3:1-3, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
This purifying transformation changes the very fabric of our lives, from a childlike selfishness to a child with God-like selflessness. This transformation is why the world does not know us. The world still thinks it's about them. Those in Christ know it's about Him. He is the truth, the way, and the life, John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Knowing Him is the only way we can learn to abide in Him and the only way to eternal life, John 15:4-11, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." And, He planned it all before He even began creating, 2 Timothy 1:9, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,".
And, unlike the dog who bites the hand that feeds it, I have learned that Jesus came to give you and me an abundant life, John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.". So, it's not about me; it's all about Jesus.
God has placed us in unique places throughout this world. This blog is about sharing His Word; please share it with those you believe would be blessed by hearing it. Bless you! If you want to receive the Quarterly Newsletter, email us at bill@reasoningwithgod.com. If you want to read past blogs, go to https://www.reasoningwithgod.com/blog.
Comments