December 26, 2021
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, (1 Peter 1:8).
Knowing God is not a means to a higher-end; He is the end, the goal, the true satisfaction. But. We all have a notion of the good life.
If only I had:
a better job
a better marriage
better kids
More money
Bigger house
More friends
Then I would be happy. If God gives these things, great.
That is the goal, isn’t it; my personal happiness. All the people that I know, those that love me, they all want me to be happy. So whatever makes me happy, is good.
The role and function of God are to give me what I think will make me happy. If he does, I will walk with him. If he doesn’t, what good is he? If God doesn’t give me happiness, then He is hindering me, keeping me from the good life, and from human flourishing.
This is a major reason why so many do not follow God. God doesn’t give them what they want. God is a lousy friend – he doesn’t make me happy.
But, God is not a means to a higher, more fulfilling end – he is the most fulfilling end. To know God is to know life; true joy, and yes, happiness – rightly understood. There is nothing higher, or better than God!
God’s goal for us is not temporary happiness, but eternal bliss. God’s plan is not to make us happy, but holy. And being holy, we will know joy, and yes, happiness.
That is why He invites us to know him, trust him, follow him. He knows what we need, and he offers what is best.
There is no greater joy than walking with God, by His wisdom, and through His Son, through that veil of tears. He is the guide through this waste howling wilderness of a fallen, sinful world. His paths lead to ultimate joy and peace.
He offers joy unspeakable and full of Glory. He offers grace and peace. He offers light and life.
It is all found in Christ; in knowing him and following him.
If you are a member of a bible-believing, evangelical church
If you see Christ as the end, the goal, the guide to true human life, and ultimate fulfillment – then come to this table.
If you are seeking to use Jesus as a means to another, higher-end
– you don’t know Christ, and you don’t belong at this table.
Dear Child of God, come, in faith, to commune with Christ, to receive his grace, and to rest in his presence and provision.
Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, (1 Peter 1:8).