Torch, Winter 1985

We learned that knowing God is not knowledge about godliness or how to live the Christian life. Although there is now perhaps more literature available on practical Christian living than at any time in history, Christians, by and large, do not manifest a godliness that has a significant impact on their world. Knowing God means two things: a personal RELATIONSHIP and a personal FELLOWSHIP. First, we get to know God as we understand with the Spirit's help that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) . We are dead in trespasses and sins and separated from God . Then we are made aware that God so loved the world of sinners that He gave His only Son to die on the cross and pay the penalty for our sins (John 3: 16). And as we trust Christ to be our Savior, God forgives us and makes us His children. Thus, we first know God through a personal relationship with Him . Then we begin a life-long process of learning to know God through personal fellowship . Although this is accomplished in a variety of ways, a consistent personal devotional time is a helpful and necessary part of the process . To meditate on God and what He wishes to accomplish through us is not an option for Christians . To neglect this essential element of personal fellowship with our Heavenly Father can only promise spiritual failure and the loss of experiencing God's best. It is tragic enough that our lives will be so affected, but this sin will also touch those whom we love - family, dear friends, and others within our spheres of influence. I personally begin my day by asking God to speak to my heart about my life. Then I read the passage of Scripture that I have selected (I usually read systematically through a book). After this I begin to ask questions about that passage. Sometimes I spend a week or two on a few verses. I have recently studied Philippians 4:4-7. What follows is an example of how I approached this passage during my personal devotions. I ask: "What is God saying in these verses through Paul's teaching?" The Apostle tells us that no matter how bad the circumstances, we should rejoice because the Lord is near to us. Other people should be able to see how patiently we endure . He also tells us not to worry about anything, but rather, to tell our Father what we want and thank Him for what He has done and will do. Then if we obey, He will give us His peace . I then visualize this passage . In my mind I picture a prison cell that is dark, cold , and damp with rats lurking in every comer. The Apostle Paul is cold, tired, and physically depleted. In the comer of the cell is scattered, moldy straw for a bed. No table, no chairs, no toilet, no shower . The circumstances are indeed gnm. I next personalize this mental picture . I imagine that I am in that cell. With my name inserted in the passage I read the verses again. Some questions follow . How could I rejoice in circumstances like this? Why should I rejoice? Is it possible for me to maintain my composure when things are this bad? How could I possibly thank God for allowing these circumstances? I then check other passages of Scripture to see what they reveal of the character of God. I understand from Psalm 139 that my Father is actively and personally involved in my life, and that my significance and security do not rest m my circumstances or in people, but in Him alone. I know from Romans 8:28 that God causes all things to work together for my good because I love Him and He has a purpose for my life. I realize from Romans 8:35-39 that God loves me and nothing can separate me from Him. As J.I. Packer so vividly described this truth in Knowing God, God's love and acceptance of me do not depend on my performance but rest solely on His choice to be my friend and to make me successful in His eyes. From Hebrews 4 :15 I know that the Lord Jesus Himself understands exactly what I am going through mentally, physically, and emotionally. He will provide the strength for me to endure this test and bring Himself glory at the same time. In Hebrews 11, I find that Moses, Noah , Abraham, Rahab , and many others took God at his word even though they could not see God's ultimate purpose in their circumstances. I must commit myself to the One who has always proven Himself faithful in the lives of His children . I then reflect on the faithfulness of my heavenly Father in the past events and circumstances of my life. I remember the many occasions when He has answered prayer, and those times when He has provided for my needs even before I asked. The result of this kind of devotional meditation is that I know my God in a richer and more intimate way. And as I know Him better, I love Him more and desire to obey Him more faithfully. You see, the Spirit of God takes the Word and by the process of meditation works it through my mind and heart. To a limited degree I then begin to think the way God thinks about my circumstances. I do not have to force myself to think like this or work up to it. Rather, this is a supernatural process that God performs by His power. Knowing God takes time . And it requires discipline on a daily basis to set aside moments of meditation . But, is there any relationship that is more important? Is there any fellowship that can be sweeter? Masson Elliott is the owner of Elliott Family Food Stores in Daniel, West Virginia. A member of Daniel Bible Church in Daniel , he is an active lay Bible teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have a daugh– ter and a son who is a freshman at Cedarville. 13