Know

“ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” ~ 1 John 5:13

In his book, Metaphysics, Aristotle begins with the statement, “All men by nature desire to know.” I think he might be on to something. Humanity seeks answers to questions. We want to know how things work and what things mean. Knowledge expands our horizons to see behind the scenes or to delve deeper in our understanding. Watch a child learn, and you have a good picture of the quest to know.

One of the amazing truths about Christianity is that we walk with a God who wants us to know. He wants us to know that we are loved. He wants us to know that we are saved. He wants us to know how to walk and where we should step. He wants us to know how to live in relationship with one another and with Him. God is not a God of secrets. Don’t mistake me. There are things and knowledge that belong only to God. There are things about God and His will that are beyond my ability to comprehend. But that does not mean that everything that has to do with God is a mystery. The Bible tells us over and over that God wants us to know. The Bible is God’s perfect revelation to man. The idea of a revelation is unveiling of knowledge. God wants us to know. Because knowing God is transformational.

Margaret Fuller, American journalist from the last nineteenth century, once wrote, “If you have knowledge, let other light their candles in it.” This is another good picture. God calls us to relationship so that we can light our candles in His knowledge. He is the light and He illuminates our lives with His presence. We in turn shine in the world, sharing the light, and knowledge of God with others.