Knowing God
I heard a statement recently that caused me to consider the depth of its meaning. “You won’t love what you don’t know.” This turned my thoughts to man’s relationship with God. Is it because many don’t know God’s character that they do not choose to have a relationship with Him? There are some who refuse a relationship with God because they have formed a wrong opinion of Him through limited knowledge. If you were offered to build a relationship with someone who loved you unconditionally, who is forgiving, kind and good – who is faithful and trustworthy, strong and wise and always wants good things for you – how could you turn away? There is so much we need to learn about God’s character, and the more you learn, the more you realize that everything about God’s character is good.
You may ask, “How do I gain knowledge of God’s character?” Think about a person that you know well. How did you come to realize that you could trust them? How did you know that they love you? I am sure if all you did was say hello each day that your relationship would have gone nowhere. Instead you spent time with them and as you observed their actions and interaction with you and others, you learned about their character. You could probably list all the wonderful traits that you discovered leading to that special relationship. In the same way, as we spend time with God, and learn about His character through reading and studying the Scriptures, we begin to know Him more intimately.
More than just knowing who God is, we must share the truth of who God is. I recently saw this profound quote, “If we don’t teach our children who God is, someone else will teach them everything that He isn’t.”
Our children and grandchildren need to know that God is good and wants good things for them. Sharing what you learn about God’s character in your daily life will impact their future relationship with Him. Taking time to build a foundation of faith in your children will help them as they grow older and start making their own choices. If they know the truth of who God is, perhaps they will run TO God rather than away from Him.
God has given me a passion to share the attributes of God with any and all as He gives me the opportunity. This passion has grown through the years but started in a Moms in Prayer group. The mom who led this early group recently shared this statement, “God kindled our hearts to burn for more of Him. I am grateful.” I, too, am grateful for it has transformed my life. My love for God has grown day by day as I know Him more and more. It has been said that “the way you define God will always be the way you describe God, but most importantly how you display God.” Although God is beyond our ability to adequately define Him, learning about His attributes gives us a more complete picture of who He is.
I agree with the statement, “You won’t love what you don’t know.” The more and more I learn about who God is, the greater is my love for Him. The following is just one passage that helps us “see” who God is.
The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The Lord is good to everyone. He showers compassion on all his creation. The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to you in hope; you give them their food as they need it. When you open your hand, you satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.
The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love him, but he destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord and may everyone on earth bless his holy name forever and ever. Psalms 145:8-9, 13b-21
I have found that the more I focus on who God is, the greater is my faith, my trust, my hope, my peace and my victory.
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7 (NLT)
Such good teaching Carol. You are always full of the Word.
“If we don’t teach our children who God is, someone else will teach them everything that He isn’t.” So true! Good post today!