Knowledge is Good. Intimacy is Better.

Knowledge or Intimacy

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-2 NIV (Emphasis mine)

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Unknown

Knowledge is easy to obtain. You can research online, through books, lectures, experience or by asking another.

Intimacy takes time. Presence. Honesty. Listening. Empathizing. Vulnerability. Challenges. Feelings. Personal growth.

I remember reading in the Bible how sick and tired of sacrifices, showboating and wordy prayers our Father was. The religious of the day took great pride in their religious practices. Their heart was far from the Father.

Our Father wants a personal relationship with you. With me. It’s good to study the Bible, go to church and give to charity. We know to do these things. But the Creator of all, including us, wants friendship (Jesus called his disciples friends) from us. I know of no other religion that wants such an intimate relationship.

For so many years my motives were definitely out of sync with what our Father wanted. My checklist was as follows: Teach Sunday school, mentor, volunteer, and give to charity. But my heart was far from Him. I was earning brownie points and, quite frankly, was exhausted! Isn’t this what good Christians do? Yes, if it’s out of love. If you’re feeling exhausted, check the motive.

I know what my son does for a living. I know what charity he volunteers and gives to. I know what hobbies he has. Does this mean I know him? No. I know about him. We talk about our challenges, disappointments, fears and loves. We share meals together. That’s the heart.

Our Father wants the same from us. The works will follow from an overflowing love with thanks. Our Father knows anyway and yet we think our Father only wants the “big” things from us.  But most of life is the little things that build relationships. Now I tell him everything, even the little, grumpy, embarrassing and boring. I’m learning to sit still and be open for the “still, small voice.”

Musings

Relationships are the wonders, rewards and foundations of life. If the relationship with the Father is sound, the rest will follow. Thanks, forgiveness, affection and honesty are the tools. Intimacy.

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Prayer

Dear Father,

We forget you call us your friends. David was “a man after your own heart.” We are too. Encourage us to bring everything to you and enjoy the privilege of friendship with you.

In your Son’s name, we thank you.

Amen.