And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him.. 1 John 5:20a
What is the most important thing to recognize above all other things? His goal for us is that we would know Him. This is the end all of all His efforts with us. And it is the greatest of all our needs … our minds are often so preoccupied with service and work; we think that doing great things for Him is our highest and best for Him in our lives. Obviously we are concerned about our life’s work and ministry for Him. We think about the needed equipment in terms of study and knowledge of things. Possibly soul winning, or teaching believers, or setting people to work, are so often in the foreground of things. Bible study and knowledge of the scriptures, and efficiency of leading others in ‘Christian service’ are often the end-view, and are of importance, and they might be all well and good but He is more concerned about us knowing Him deeply far above everything else.
It is a wonderful thing to have a grasp of the scriptures and have a comprehensive and intimate familiarity with doctrine; to stand for the truths of the faith; and be an unceasing worker in His service; and have a great devotion to the salvation of others, and yet unfortunately have an inadequate and limited personal intimate knowledge of God within (the Holy Spirit). So often sadly the Lord has to take away our work so that we may discover Him. The ultimate value to Him is not the information we can give, not the soundness of our doctrine, not the amount of work we can do, not the measure of truth we possess, but just the fact we might know Him in a deep and intimate way within us.
Learning His communication within us are the steps to this intimacy He so desires with us. Many factors may be included in that learning process. Prayer / listening prayer. Holy Spirit guided scripture reading. Learning to be ‘open’ and aware at all times to His Presence and promptings. And then there is obedience to His leading. The process will obviously take some missteps as any child has as they are learning to walk. So don’t get discouraged, just pick yourself up and keep going with a heart to hear Him all the more. Asking the Holy Spirit for help and advice with each step you take.
To know Him is to love Him. As He knows you and loves you beyond your own understanding.
Father … that we might know You… help us to know more of You.