Know Him

READ: EPHESIANS 1:17-19; 2 PETER 3:18; 1 JOHN 5:20

In fifth grade, I wrote a report on Eleanor Roosevelt. For weeks I studied her, read many resources about her, and wrote down all kinds of information and facts about her. I even had to dress up like her to make my presentation to the class. By the end of all of that research, I knew just about everything about her.

But even with all of my fact-gathering, I didn’t really know Eleanor Roosevelt at all. I knew about her, but I didn’t know her personally. I didn’t know her voice, her character, what made her laugh, or any of the things you know about someone when you have a close relationship with them.

The same is true for our relationship with Jesus. We can participate in a multitude of good things: Bible studies, Christian camps, youth group, or Sunday school. But unless we are seeking to know Jesus better through these groups and activities, they are pointless. It’s all just head knowledge.

Jesus wants more for us than just head knowledge. He desires a deep relationship with His people. As Christians, we have that relationship with God through Jesus, and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, our relationship with Christ becomes more and more central to our everyday lives.

Like any relationship, knowing Christ in deeper and deeper ways involves spending time with Him. Because of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is always with us (Romans 8:9). As we spend time in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit teaches us who Jesus is (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:13-16). He also guides us throughout each day, so we can bring even our smallest worries and joys to Him, thanking Him for His deep, unconditional love for us. • Cara Campbell

• What are some ways that you can integrate prayer into your daily life, both alone and with other people?

• What questions do you have for God? Ask Him! Every relationship involves questions, including your relationship with Jesus.

• As Christians, we are God’s family, united around getting to know Jesus deeply. Do you have a local church family who can help you in your pursuit of Christ?

I [Jesus] am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me. John 10:14 (NLT)