Paul declared in Philippians 3:10 that his life was not about the things he had done, but rather he lived that he may KNOW CHRIST. After Israel sinned by creating and worshiping the golden calf, Moses asked for forgiveness from God. While he was beseeching God, he said in Exodus 33:15 “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” Moses wasn’t as concerned with getting to the Promised Land as he was with being in the presence of God. In John 14, Jesus doesn’t focus on new doctrines, but the application of doctrine that the disciples already knew. He said multiple times – BELIEVE ME.
What is more important to you? Accomplishing important goals for others to be impressed with you? Achieving a monumental accomplishment that seems so very “spiritual”? Amassing to yourself all kinds of “new” or “unusual” positions on the Scriptures? Or is your primary goal to know Christ? Are you pleading with God to increase your faith? Are you begging for His presence in your life? Are you living, not to impress others, but rather to KNOW Him?
Religion is so very important. God spent a lot of time teaching us to discern what is proper religion and what is not. Standards are so important. Without standards, we can so easily drift away from God. Having a good testimony is important. Without a good testimony, it will be difficult to show how Christ is real in your life. Any of these three things without a personal and passionate relationship with Jesus Christ, however, will be vain, empty, and worthless. It’s a ritual without a meaning, a body without a soul, and an action without a purpose.
Make it your goal to passionately pursue Christ! Seek to know Him! Exercise your spiritual vision by savoring the things of God more than the things of the world! With keen spiritual eyesight, you will SEE God as real instead of a set of principles and rules. God moves from an ideal to a PERSON that you adore and worship. Every Christian needs to draw closer to God. As daunting as that may seem, all it takes is a truly humble heart and taking the first step. (James 4:6-10) If you seek God, He will not stand afar off; He will draw nigh to you.