Knowing Christ
Do you know Christ? Or, do you just know a lot about Him?
Barry Sanders is my favorite football player. He played running back for the Detroit Lions in the 90’s. He retired after 10 years of play and possibly could have broken the all-time rushing record had he remained in the league for a few more years. He rushed for over 15,000 yards, he had over 100 touchdowns, and was inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2004. He was an outstanding running back in college, as well, out of Oklahoma State University. He broke a total of 34 NCAA records in his 1988 season and won the Heisman Trophy.
I know a lot about Barry Sanders., but do I know him? No. Would I recognize him in a crowd? Maybe. Would he recognize me? Nope. I fear that I know Christ in the same why that I know Barry Sanders. I know Christ’s “stats.” I have read the scriptures, and I know the miracles He performed. I know a lot about Him, but do I know Him? Would He recognize me in a crowd? Maybe. Would I recognize Him? I don’t think I would if I am being honest. I want to know Christ, but I don’t know how.
My favorite restaurant in Virginia is called Macado’s. Even though I love the food—and it is the home of my favorite burger (The Wild Bill Burger)—that is not why it is my favorite restaurant. If it my favorite restaurant because that is where I got to know my future wife. We had our first of many dates there. I can still tell you the table we sat at. If I close my eyes, I can see it. I can tell you what we ordered (Madison Mud Pie). I got to know my best friend. I discovered her dreams, her fears, her hopes, who she was, who she could be, and so much more. I got to know my wife because I spent time with her. How do I spend time with Christ?
There is a difference between knowing Christ and just knowing a lot about Him. I am discovering that. I feel that the only way to move from just knowing about Him to actually knowing Him is to spend quality time with Him, just as I did and still do with my wife. But it is not that simple. I can pray, I can read the scriptures, and that is great, but I would much rather talk to my wife in person than over the phone. I don’t know Christ as well as I would like, so how can I talk to Him “in person?” This is something I will continue to ponder on and will write more next week.