The people who know their God

“You will tell me nothing about God until you show me your degree in theology!” The middle-aged woman said, looking at me.

She was angry. Everyone in the room went silent. Then some burst into laughter. Others, not knowing how to respond, left to their duties. What was a heated debate on a slippery theological topic fizzled out immediately.

Later that evening I gave her statement a few minutes of deep reflection. I observed two things. First, the knowledge of God is not a reserve for scholars. God has expressed Himself in the scriptures in a way that ordinary, unlearned people will know Him if they care to read, or listen.

Second, I noticed her statement confused knowing about God with knowing God. If you read theological books, attend theology classes, listen to sermons, and attend Bible studies, it is a sure thing you will know something about God.

But can you honestly say with the apostle Paul, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake, I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” Phil. 3:8

Knowing things about God never goes that deep! Sure thing, it will equip you with information on many Christian subjects. But it will not avail the gain of knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. We desire to know God Himself.

For men and women who have known God, everything else doesn’t matter. Their joys and their losses do not matter. Only one thing matters, that they may know Him more and do exploits for Him.

He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will stand firm and take action. Daniel 11:32.

The devil will corrupt the people who violate God's Word through flattery and shipwreck their lives. But the men and women who know their God will stand firm and take action.

The knowledge of God produces tremendous effects in the lives of men. J. I Packer proposes such four effects when people know God. You can measure yourself against these four propositions and see whether you can honestly say you have known God.

1.      Those who know God have great energy for God

“Men who know their God are before anything else men who pray, and the first point where their zeal and energy for God’s glory come to expression is in their prayers.” Packer. Daniel was a man on his knees. Always seeking God. Always consulting. Always calling on the name of the Lord.

A man who knows God is a man great in prayer. His energy is spent communing with God and enjoying fellowship with Him. A man who knows God wants God above everything else.

“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. Psalm 73:25.

Men who know their God will rise when they see God’s name being dishonored. They cannot rest when the Name of God is taken for granted. They will rise in prayer, and then in action, be it advocacy, preaching, or teaching to correct the error.

It is difficult to conclude that God is known where fervency and zeal in prayer are lacking.

2.      Those who know God have great thoughts for God

As AW. Tozer would say, “What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” It is saddening to know that many Christians have a small view of God, and even that small view is distorted.

Many people think of God as a genie responsible for their comfort and convenience in this life. The easiest way to see this is to listen to people pray in public. Most just want items of convenience: better, and more comfy cars, bigger and more luxurious houses etcetera. Most people who say they believe in God today think that God is a facilitator of the American dream!

But God is not a genie to give in to our demands. He is great, sovereign, King of kings, and Lord of Lords. “All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases among the angels of heaven and among the people of the earth. No one can stop him or say to him, ‘What do you mean by doing these things?’

God is a consuming fire! He is mighty in action, wonderful in all His works, full of grace and mercy, steadfast in love and compassion.

3.      Those who know God show great boldness for God

Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego refused to worship the idols King Nebuchadnezzar set up. They knew this action would lead them to execution – they’d be thrown into the fiery furnace. But look at what they said to the king,

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:18

Were they arrogant? Far from it! They were courteous, respectful but firm. Live or die, they will not bow to foreign gods.

The Christian's first authority is Christ. If the government, teachers, leaders, parents, and spouses want to push us into sinning against God, we must tell them, “We must obey God, rather than human beings.” Acts 4:29.

4.      Those who know God have great contentment in God

Men who know their God are not unsettled, panicky, and restless to get the things of this world. They’re not earnest to preserve their lives at all costs, even if it means renouncing God. Instead, they’re men who thank God for what they have. When their wealth increases, they do not make it the center of their lives.

They’re not also fearful of death. They know that “death is no longer an executioner,” as George Herbert would say, “but that death is a gardener because of Jesus Christ.”

Lord, it belongs not to my care,

Whether I die or live;

To love and serve Thee is my share,

And this Thy grace must give.

If life be long, I will be glad,

That I may long obey;

If short – then why should I be sad

To soar to endless day?

Anonymous; quoted from Knowing God, by J.I Packer.