How can you really know someone?

Philippians 3:10-14

Have you ever wanted to really know some one? Have you ever dated, have you ever been married, if the answer is yes, then you have had this desire.  We can spend a lot of time with a person and feel as if part of them is hidden from us.  My friend Jack Archer was that kind of person, he was my mentor and friend, but he was never going to let me, or anyone into some parts of his life.  So we might agree that to know someone at a deep, personal level, they must let you, and you must spend time with them, you must both talk and listen to them.  Could that be the key, to why so many churchgoers do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; they are just too busy seeking the approval of others who they esteem, and believe will add value to life?

This guy we call the apostle Paul has met Christ and that is not enough, in verse ten he gives this insight into his soul; “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”  Wow, can you identify with what Paul has said, many of us want the power of Christ’s resurrection in our lives, but I have not known anyone who is asking God to let them share in His suffering and to die as our Lord died.  It might be of help to know, that Paul has already sought the approval of others, and he can testify to that being a sinking ship. That ship will not withstand the storms of life, it’s empty, has no direction, and will lead only to endless sorrow.

One of the things I was taught by a great man of God, was to never teach at a level that is above your personal walk with Christ, unless you make it clear to your audience that it’s a truth, but you personally are not there in your walk with the Lord.  Paul is telling us that in verse 12, “Not that he has not obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.  Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.  But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Have you ever wanted to really know Christ? Do you have a goal? Are you straining forward to what lies ahead, have you forgotten the empty life of the past?  Could this be our problem, that we who are in the family of God are willing to know the Christ of blessing, but not willing to know or trust the Christ of sorrow and suffering?  I do believe that is the church of America.  It has no power an its epitaph has been written by our Lord.  “I know your works; you are neither cold or hot.  Would that you were either cold or hot!  So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:15-17)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice