I
want to simplify your life. That’s right! There really is one main goal in life. All
other goals are secondary and derivative. There is only one pursuit that pulls
us toward eternity and ensures that connection. There are many worthy short
term goals in life. Some of these goals will last a lifetime. But only one will
last beyond this life. And this is the goal that is worth pursuing.
I
keep toying with the idea of getting my Doctorate. It is the next degree in my
flight path. But then I pause and ask myself, what do I gain by getting that
degree? I gain some knowledge. I lose some money. I gain a piece of paper. I
lose some time. My ego gets stroked. Some possible job opportunities could be
opened up to me. I get a few pats on the back.
But
it would be a whole lot of work! And I just can’t justify the costs in time and
talent in the pursuit. It might be nice to be called Dr. Arnold, but I like
Stan much better. I am, after all, a pretty simple guy. I don’t like too much
ceremony or spotlight time. I want my life to be a mirror reflecting the glory
of Jesus. A Doctorate might get in the way.
Are
there goals that might get in your way as you pursue knowing God? They may be
good goals, but they might sidetrack you from the main goal. And this is some
of what John saw as the false teachers began their work. They were sidetracking
the Christian faith. They rejected aspects of the reality of Jesus, either His
full humanity or His full Deity. They placed barriers between us and God.
But
John repeatedly emphasizes that we can know the LORD. We can have intimate
fellowship with Him. Because Jesus repaired the connection between God and
humankind, we can enjoy what we were originally designed to enjoy. We can walk
in the garden in the cool of the evening. We can live without shame.
We
can know the One who is true. The LORD isn’t just someone who knows truth, He
is true itself. He is the true North of all experience. If we align ourselves
with Him, we will always be on course in life and in eternity. So when we are
in Jesus, we are in the One who lived a life perfectly aligned to the will of
the Father.
So
today, as you look at your schedule and evaluate priorities, remember that you
are in Him. Our greatest priority is to know Him more.