Many believe that being a Christian is centered around doing good deeds, but be assured, it is much more than that! True Christianity is about a relationship with the eternal God, and the byproduct of that relationship is good deeds. A Christian who is naturally minded is more concerned about what they do as a Christian than knowing the God of Christianity. The Prophet Zachariah said, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. ”Zechariah 4:6

Apostle Paul (previously called Saul) was famous for his passion and religious zeal. His life was fully betrothed to imprisoning and even killing those who were followers of Jesus and those who belong to two “The Way.” In his religious zeal, he was passionately doing what he thought was right. Sadly, he did not “know” the God he thought he was serving and, therefore, was passionately pursuing the opposite of what was God’s will. Later on, by the grace of God, he had an encounter with Jesus, and his life was forever changed! His great works and amazing accomplishments of the past became worthless to him compared to this thing called "Knowing Christ.” Listen to his words:

Philippians 3:8-10  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

The word, “know,” used in the Scripture isn’t merely describing an intellectual knowledge, but rather “an intimacy with” knowledge. In fact, the word he used was a Jewish idiom for sexual intercourse. Apostle Paul was, therefore, in effect, saying, more than anything in all of the world, I want to be intimate with Christ, and nothing in all of life can compare! 

We don’t ever want to underestimate the importance of doing. However, without “knowing" God, all doing is ultimately fruitless! Many “Christians” in their misguided zeal are fighting against God. They pursue religious dogmas and works instead of intimacy with God. The result of this kind of teaching and life-motivation is death and bondage to condemnation and fear.

Think about it, those who claim Christianity often pray so that they can check off another good deed rather than enter into a place of oneness with God. A life of true power and purpose is a byproduct of knowing God! My heart’s cry and prayer for you today is that you would know (be intimate with) Christ and, therefore, be empowered to do what Christ does! When you are intimate with God, the Holy Spirit leads and guides you into all that is truth! (Jn 16:13) God has beautiful plans for you, and intimacy with him through his Holy Spirit will be the avenue for him to not only reveal those plans to you but empower you to do them. May this Encouraging Note inspire you to leave all self-righteous, religious works behind and replace them with the purpose-filled life that comes from…

“KNOWING” GOD

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