7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. (Philippians 3:7-11)
“Know yourself!” This, and others similar to it, has been the phrase of enlightenment since the explosion of the ‘drug’ and ‘love’ culture of the late ‘60’s and ‘70’s, and beyond. However, this has proven to be both futile and often, fatal.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, as he was, the Apostle Paul characterized the goal of man, particularly for himself, hundreds of years before. He summed it up with these words: “That I may know Him . . .” (Philippians 3:10).
Beloved, the Holy Spirit is determined that we shall recognize, distinguish, be aware of, be on familiar terms with, realize, Jesus at every point in life. The truth of salvation and ‘knowing’ Jesus is not the same thing. I suppose many are they who have received God’s grace unto salvation, and yet have never experienced Him in a day-to-day relationship.
This Scripture has guided me for nearly 40 years: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Beloved believer, do you ‘know’ Him where you are today? If not, you are letting God down, yourself down, and everyone who needs and deserves to experience you in your best life. Know Him! Pursue Jesus!
