The only questions that really matter are the ones you ask yourself. —Ursula K. LeGuin
There is an anomaly that we need to tackle in church culture. It’s the Christian who, in principle, is focused on Christ but, in practice, is still focused on themselves. In principle, they say all the right things, they look the right way, they carry the right Bible, they go to the right Bible studies, etc. In principle, they’re focused on Christ, but in practice, it’s still about themselves. Sure, it all looks Christian, but it’s not focused on Christ; it’s focused on activity, religion, and self-effort.
Sad.
So the question must be asked: Do you really know Jesus? Some of you have heard over the years that Christ lives in you. You know about that, but have you experienced it? Do you know what it looks like? Have you ever truly asked Him into your heart? Thanked Him for going to the cross for you? Praised Him because of His mercy and grace?
I want to particularly aim these questions at those of you who might feel like you know a lot about God, Jesus, the Spirit, and His Word. If you think you have a lot of religious knowledge, you actually might not know anything! (1 Corinthians 3:19). The core reason for this is that true Christianity is not adherence to doctrine and devotion. It’s a mystery that can only be known in the context of a relationship.
If you have the Holy Spirit in your spirit and God’s Word in your hand, all things pertaining to the mystery and all things pertaining to salvation and life in Christ are available to you. You can understand them as the Holy Spirit reveals them to you. As you submit to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to do that, He will be faithful to do it.
Do you really know Him?
Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; And He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
Father, I want to go beyond knowing You in principle and, instead, know You personally, in a close relationship, submitting to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I want to know what it means to be truly free. Amen.