Understanding the Heart of Spiritual Growth
The Big Question: What Does It Mean to Know God?
When people talk about “knowing God,” it can sound mysterious or even overwhelming. But at its core, knowing God isn’t just about reading a bunch of facts, going to church, or memorizing prayers. It’s about building a close, personal relationship with the One who made us. The Bible calls this the “mystery of Christ”—something that was hidden for a long time and is now revealed for everyone who truly wants to know God.
What Is the Mystery of Christ?
The “mystery” refers to the deep truths about Jesus (Christ) and God’s plan for humanity. These are ideas that can’t be fully understood just by thinking hard or reading a lot—they’re uncovered little by little as we open our hearts and let God work in us. In simple terms, the mystery is that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to help us know Him in a real, life-changing way.
Not Just Head Knowledge—Heart Knowledge
Knowing God isn’t about having all the answers or understanding every detail of the Bible. It’s more like getting to know a close friend. You spend time together, share your struggles, and listen. The more time you spend with God—through prayer, reading the Bible, or just being still—the more you discover about who He is and how much He cares for you.
Why Is This Important?
Life can be confusing and tough. Sometimes, we look for meaning in things like money, success, or even being really smart. But the Bible says that the real “treasure” is knowing God. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, we’re reminded that it’s not about being the wisest or the richest. What matters most is understanding and knowing God personally.
How Do We Pursue Knowing God?
· Be Curious and Open: Like any good relationship, it starts with wanting to know more. Ask questions, be honest with your doubts, and stay open to learning.
· Read the Bible: This is where God shares His story with us. Even if some parts are hard to understand, stick with it and ask God for wisdom.
· Pray Honestly: Talk to God in your own words. Share your joys, your frustrations, and your questions. God isn’t looking for perfect prayers—He wants your heart.
· Seek Wisdom: As Ephesians 1:17 says, God wants to give us wisdom and understanding if we ask for it. Knowledge of God isn’t just for “super Christians”; it’s for anyone willing to seek Him.
The Example of Paul
Paul, one of the early Christian leaders, knew all about being religious. But it wasn’t until he met Jesus personally that his life truly changed. Paul realized that knowing Christ was worth more than anything he had before. He wrote in Philippians 3:10 that his biggest desire was “to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.” Paul’s story reminds us that life with God is a journey of transformation, not just rule-following.
Spiritual Hunger: Wanting More of God
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6). This means that if we really want to know God and live His way, He will help us. The more we pursue God—spending time with Him and learning about Him—the more He fills our lives with wisdom, love, and purpose.
Why It Matters Today
In a world full of confusion, division, and quick fixes, knowing God gives us a solid foundation. When we root our lives in His wisdom and love, we can face life’s challenges with hope and strength. Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The answer: hold onto God’s truth and stay connected to Him.
A Simple Reflection
Knowing God isn’t something you accomplish in a day—it’s a lifelong journey. It takes patience, humility, and a willingness to grow. As you spend time reading the Bible, praying, and seeking wisdom, you’ll start to see the world through God’s eyes. You’ll discover more of His love for you and find your true purpose.
Let’s hunger for more of God. Let’s be people who reflect God’s love, wisdom, and grace in all we do. The deeper we go in our relationship with Him, the more we’ll be transformed—and the more we’ll be able to make a positive difference in the world around us.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 