Define or Describe

Humans seem to like to define, label, and categorize things. Good definition requires perfect perspective. We can have confidence in definitions like “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) and “Eternal life is knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.” (John 17:3) These definitions come from God. Rarely is my perspective so exhaustive. But even when I can’t define, I can describe. And I can be confident in my descriptions provided I’m humble enough to consider a new insight or another person’s different description. Defining closes the knowing venture, while describing opens it up. That can be endlessly rewarding!

Friend of a Friend

My reading of Scripture has changed over the years. First, it was a collection of the stories of unknown people who lived long ago. Eventually, those 'strangers' became friends, sharing with me what they had experienced. Then Scripture became a place for me to meet God myself, my friends providing the structure and space for that connection. Now, after many years of coming to know God, these writings have become a place to relate, to say, "I have experienced this too!"

Know That You Know

We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. — 1 John 2:3

I say it a lot: knowing God is eternal life. Eternal life is knowing God. To know that you know is not about certainty; it's about being in a relationship. And coming to know implies a deepening relationship. Set certainty aside and look for evidence. This kind of relationship with God will be expressed in allegiance and transformation.