“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord, “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people. And each man will no longer teach his neighbor and his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me [through personal experience], from the least of them to the greatest,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will no longer remember their sin.” (Jeremiah 31:33-34 The Amplified Bible)
For years, an idiom included in our culture and impressed on the minds of many is, “It’s not what you know, but who you know?” Most certainly, based on what we have seen in our experiences in the secular world, this expression seems to be an exact truth. People have ascended up the corporate ladder, been accepted into academic institution, asked to accept political appointments, and added to the atmospheric-like levels of organizations merely because the idiom was not ignored. It seems, at times, that “who you know” ranks over “what you know.” Yet, we must ask: Is that purely reasonable, perfectly principled, and does it become positively profitable, all the time? I would say, “Absolutely not!” And while my response is to what was posed from a secular world perspective, I have to expound a little further, looking at what’s essential for Christian living.
Knowing God is primary. Who you know is important. Yes, you need to know God and you need to continually seek to know Him better; continually seek to have a closer walk with Him. That’s where what you know becomes relevant and really important. You need to know the principles contained in the Word of the Lord. That’s not only important, but it’s imperative. What you know and who you know, they go hand in hand for you and me.
Not included in the aforementioned and apparently accepted by many idiom, is the need to have ongoing personal experiences with the Lord. We cannot just say, “First giving honor to God who is the head of my life,” but we must let the Lord order our steps. To do that we must know God and we must know the guidance He gives us in His word. Then will, and only then, will our experiences in life be positive, regardless of what circumstances, conditions, crisis, or career appointments and disappointments come our way.
Who you know…? My friend, know God. What you know…? My friend, know His preferred ways for you through His word. And listen, friend, experience God in all your endeavors. As always, stay God-conscious and Christ-centered. Have a tremendously great Thursday. I am sure you will because of Who you know and what you know. Let those two things impact your experiences today. Be blessed!
“But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don’t take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously.” (Micah 6:8 The Message Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King