It’s not what you know, but Who you know
I’ve done more reading in the last two years than I’ve done in the past 25 years put together. At least it seems that way. I’ve never been an avid reader, never gotten hooked on romance or adventure novels, and always found my relaxation in active things such as hiking or gardening. But this reading has been different. Wonderful. The reading has been part of my Master’s program in Ministry Studies and Women’s Leadership. I’ve been learning theology and ministry skills. I’m not in it for the academics, or to win contests in Bible Trivia. I’m certainly not in it to impress others with my knowledge. I’m in it to know the God who has calls me His own.
I’ve read the philosophies and perspectives of people from many different walks of life. It helps me to see how people think, and why. In the end however, I come back to one thing: God has given us a wonderful book we call the Bible. Its purpose is to show us who God is and what He is like. It is the story of Him creating and cultivating a relationship with us. Often we are rebellious, proud, self-focused and unthankful for all He has given us. And still, He pursues us.
What’s my point here?
There are many opinions on how to approach Scripture, truth, morality, and human liberties. I plan to continue that topic in another post. But for now I want to say, “It’s not what you know, it’s Who you know.” The Scriptures were written primarily for us to know who God is and How we may know Him. Volumes and volumes have been written by men and women who have dedicated their lives to knowing God through His Scriptures. It is a pursuit that is both the most satisfying thing a person can do, and the most intriguing. There is always more to discover because the Word of God is living and active. It is able to weigh our thoughts and intentions, and it is able to lead us to know God. In fact, I find that the more I study Him the more I want to study Him. He is the ultimate pursuit. The book of Hebrews tells us that we train ourselves to understand God by constantly using His Word (chapter 5:11-14).
I am ever thankful for the opportunity to know my Creator. How? Because He has revealed Himself in the Scriptures. They have taught me that someone is higher than me, and is my authority. Yet beautifully, someone is higher than me, and calls me to be His own. That’s the most fulfilling thing I know. It’s why I value not what I know, but who I am getting to know better every day. It’s why Christians say we have a “relationship with God.” We have been trained to read His love letter to us. And when we do (when we really do) we know Him even more.
I’ll leave you with a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that has meant a lot to me for a number of years:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4itYLGlIh0U
Thanks for reading 🙂