Who do you know? Do you know your mom? How about your beta fish, Melvin? (That’s not relevant to you, I just wanted to share with you guys- I do have a fish. His name is Melvin. He is purple. He loves to dance). Do you know your significant other? Before you answer these questions, I’ll share a little context. What does know actually mean?
The dictionary defines Know (verb) with nine different definitions. There are a few I would like to highlight:
to perceive or understand as fact or truth; to apprehend clearly and with certainty
to have established or fixed in the mind or memory
to be cognizant or aware of
*Break* The word “cognizant” is so fun to say. Try it. You feel cool.
be acquainted with (a thing, place, person, etc.), as by sight, experience, or report
Pick somebody you know- really know.
1. The first definition is to know by an understatement as a fact or truth. So with this person in mind, ask yourself: “what is their favorite holiday”?
Can you answer it with certainty?
2. The second definition is to have it branded in your mind or memory
So with this person in mind, ask yourself, “what is their middle name?”
Did you get it right?
3. The third definition is to be aware of something. So with this person in mind, ask yourself: “what makes this person laugh?” Does it actually work?
4. The fourth definition is to know by a relationship. So with this person in mind, ask yourself: “when did you first meet?”
Could you remember?
In 1 Corinthians, Paul writes to the church at Corinth. He addresses some issues they are facing but in the most optimistic way. In chapter eight, he is talking about questionable practices involving sacrificing foods. He starts the chapter with a bunch of confusing repetitive beautiful words about knowing God. He talks about the old practices of sacrificing food.
He makes one statement, though simple and quiet compared to the loudness of the issue, that influences my life every single day. “But whoever loves God is known by God”, 1 Corinthians 8:3. Wow.
I mean, wow. So whoever loves God, is known by Him. Well, I do believe that God knows every one of His children, because he made us (Isaiah 43:1). But there is something significant about the “love” aspect. When you love somebody, you have/had a relationship with them. You invest time, energy, and emotions in that person. You invite them into your life. Paul is saying, whoever loves God- invest time, energy, and emotions- is known by Him. He knows you. He knows you in every worldly definition and incomprehensible supernatural ways, too. He knows you with (1) certainty, (2) without hesitation, (3) all the time, (4) and intentionally. He knows you.
He knew that on the day of a cross country meet- one that I had ran years prior- I would be devastated to not be participating in it for the first time. He knew that my flesh had rooted some of its confidence in running. He knew I would be sad and my self esteem would be shot watching others participate. That’s why he sent a friend, one whom I hadn’t seen all year, to be at the exact location when I was about to cry. He knew I needed to be encouraged, and she did just that. He knew that after a few minutes (An hour. In Chloe’s time: a “few” minutes) of talking, I would feel His worth of my life. He knew I needed to feel pretty and girly and that’s why he blessed my best friend with money to have a “girls night” and wear skinny jeans and make up and eat lobster. He knew that on a day of defeat and low energy, I needed the most random call from my daddy saying, “I love you”, and a friend that likes to bless me, with not only, rocky road, but a love for cheesy Anne Hathaway movies. He knew I needed a hug and chocolate when my money was stollen and I felt alone, and that moment sparked a new friendship. (I promise I don’t eat a lot of chocolate. And by “don’t”, I mean I do. I really eat a lot).
He knew me then, and He knows me now. He knows me, and though I cannot always fathom why- He loves me.
And I feel spoiled.
