In every generation, people chase after something — success, happiness, security, or meaning. But the Bible makes it clear that life’s greatest pursuit is not a possession, a position, or even a purpose — it’s to pursue the One who creates us. To know God is the highest calling and the deepest joy of the human heart.
“This is what the Lord says:
Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom,
or the powerful boast in their power,
or the rich boast in their riches.
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone:
that they truly know Me and understand that I am the Lord
who demonstrates unfailing love
and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth,
and that I delight in these things.”
— Jeremiah 9:23–24 (NLT)
1. Knowing God Is the Purpose of Life
From the very beginning, God created us for relationship — not religion, not ritual, but relationship. In Eden, Adam and Eve walked with God in the cool of the day. Sin broke that fellowship, but the heart of God has always been to restore it.
Jesus said in His great prayer before the cross:
“And this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
— John 17:3 (NIV)
Eternal life doesn’t begin when we die; it begins when we know God. Knowing Him is not just the means to life — it is life.
2. Knowing God Changes Everything
When we truly know God, our values, priorities, and desires shift. The Apostle Paul, once proud of his learning and religious standing, came to this conclusion:
“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done… I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead.”
— Philippians 3:7–10 (NLT)
Knowing God transforms pride into humility, greed into generosity, and self-reliance into dependence on His grace. It is not about gaining more information about Him but growing in intimacy with Him — heart to heart, spirit to spirit.
3. Knowing God Leads to Love and Obedience
The more we know God, the more we love Him; and the more we love Him, the more we want to obey Him. Jesus said:
“Those who accept My commandments and obey them are the ones who love Me. And because they love Me, My Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal Myself to each of them.”
— John 14:21 (NLT)
Knowing God isn’t just intellectual — it’s relational and practical. He reveals more of Himself to those who walk in obedience. As we follow His Word, His character becomes clearer and His presence becomes dearer.
4. Knowing God Requires Seeking Him
Jeremiah later writes another powerful promise:
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”
— Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
God is not hiding from us. He invites us to know Him. The question is not whether He is willing to reveal Himself, but whether we are willing to seek Him. Prayer, Scripture, worship, and obedience are the pathways to knowing Him more.
Hosea echoes the same call:
“Oh, that we might know the Lord!
Let us press on to know Him.”
— Hosea 6:3 (NLT)
Knowing God is not a one-time event but a lifelong pursuit — a continual pressing forward into His heart.
5. The Fruit of Knowing God
Those who know God display His character. Daniel wrote:
“The people who know their God will be strong and carry out great exploits.”
— Daniel 11:32 (NKJV)
True strength doesn’t come from position or power but from knowing the living God. When we walk closely with Him, His Spirit empowers us to face challenges with courage, to love people deeply, and to serve faithfully.
A Closing Thought
In the end, all earthly pursuits fade. Titles are forgotten. Wealth is spent. Wisdom becomes outdated. But those who know God — really know Him — possess something that time cannot erode and eternity will only deepen.
Like Paul, may we make this our life’s ambition:
“That I may know Him.”
Closing Prayer:
Lord, draw me closer to You.
Let my greatest pursuit in life be to know You — not just in my mind, but in my heart.
Reveal Yourself to me through Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your ways.
Teach me to delight in Your unfailing love, Your justice, and Your righteousness.
May my life reflect the beauty of truly knowing You.
Amen.
