WHOM DOES MY MIND KNOW?

This is eternal life, that they might know Me. John 17:3

Jen Wilkin, well known Bible study author once stated, “The heart cannot love what the mind does not know.” The infinitive verb phrase “to know” is one that most of us wash over when reading because its meaning is well known and not very deep in our understanding. However, to God, this phrase carries incredible meaning; one could even say consequential meaning. For, to God, it is the most important action a human will ever experience.

The story of the ten virgins contains the strongest message of warning in the Bible. The five foolish virgins have run out of oil (the Holy Spirit), and have come to the wedding late. They beg the bridegroom (Jesus) to let them into the celebration, but His sad answer back is “I am sorry. You cannot come in. I do not know you.” (Matthew 25:12)

What God is saying here is that He does not know us because we have not spent any quality time together. God wants to know us personally, but we have to want to know Him personally as well. It is not a one-way relationship. This “knowing” relationship is of most importance. In fact, Ellen White tells us that only by knowing God here on earth can we prepare to meet Him at His coming. This relationship is preeminent even to our obedience to the standards of the Bible. In truth, knowing God is the only way we will be able to give true obedience. It is not a two sided coin; knowing God will change our behavior; however, changing our behavior will never help us know God. We must be sure we choose the right course.

So, are we teaching our hearts the beauty of knowing God as our friend and Savior? Are we making room for this all-important relationship in our days? If we are not, we do it at the peril of our own souls. Our number one goal must be “to know” God personally, and that is impossible if we are not spending daily time with Him in His Word and in conversation with Him.

So what are you waiting for? It is time to begin the best relationship of your life!

By: Shari Bellchambers

MPA Faculty