Do You Know God?

Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don’t know God at all. [1 Corinthians 15.34]

In or out of context, the statement above should concern everyone.

Paul is speaking to believers in Corinth. He is speaking to the church in that area. And, the sad truth is, Paul's words to the Corinthians are timeless in their meaning. They have as much accuracy today as they did when he wrote them.

Every one of us should evaluate our relationship with God. "Do I really know God?"

I am not saying this today to frighten anyone. However, Paul said it, and it is worth saying today, "...some of you don't know God at all."

What I see that Paul is saying is that if sin runs unchecked in our lives, then, something is indeed wrong. Paul's conclusion is that we don't know God at all.

But the first part of the verse above is worth considering too. It seems sometimes that folks simply do not consider what is right. Here is where Kingdom thinking makes the difference in us. Here is where seeking God's Kingdom first, putting the needs of others above our own, can give us assurance that we are thinking right.

How many times have people gained "clarity" for life when they help another person? It is a Biblical principle! If a worldly person is 'blessed' for selflessly doing good to another person (happens all the time), how much more then does the Christ-follower find fulfillment and assurance when he or she puts the needs of another above their own?

It starts by thinking carefully about what is right. What is right is doing good to others. That IS seeking God's Kingdom first because God's Kingdom is about people. When we think about what is right, it is not guaranteed, but certainly easier, to stop sinning.

The problem is revealed when, in the sanctity of my own mind and thinking, I decide to seek what is best for me instead of for others (it's called sin). This is not the mind of Christ and, according to Paul, I don't know God at all.

No amount of reflection, crying, meditation, or the likes can substitute for helping others. True repentance from sin (which, at its core is placing self above others) is a selfless and proactive response to God, and therefore, others.

Do you know God?

Father, I have painted myself in a corner here today. And, I am glad - for Your Word is far too important than to just casually reflect upon without change.