SEEK GOD AND KNOW GOD By Major Frank Materu
Introduction
In this world, many people think they know God, but they are not actively seeking to know Him.
They may have knowledge about Him, yet they fail to pursue a deeper, personal relationship with Him.
The difference lies in the heart's intent: God desires to be known and not just learned about. This piece calls us to stop merely accumulating knowledge and instead to seek to truly know God, allowing His Spirit to lead us into a transformative, intimate relationship with Him.
God Desires to Be Known
Many of us may have heard about God, and some may even talk about Him, but true knowledge of God comes when we allow His Spirit to guide us.
The world often settles for a shallow understanding of God, passed from one person to another, but God calls us to experience Him deeply, to let His Spirit lead us, and to allow His reign in our lives.
In the Bible, Jeremiah 9:23-24 reminds us that God takes pleasure in those who understand and know Him, not just those who have an intellectual grasp of Him:
"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches; but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth."
When we seek God’s presence in our lives, we open ourselves to His transformative power. We do not just seek Him for the sake of gaining worldly advantages but for the relationship and transformation that only He can offer.
The Temptation to Settle for Less
One of the most dangerous temptations is to seek God only for what He can give, not for who He is. Many people chase after worldly things, believing that they will find satisfaction, yet these things are fleeting and often lead to destruction.
The Bible warns us in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth where they decay but to store up treasures in heaven, where they remain eternal:
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."
In life, we are often blinded by our desires for material wealth, status, and power. But none of these things can satisfy the deepest longings of the soul.
God desires us to seek Him, not for what He gives, but for who He is. Our fulfillment comes from being in His presence, allowing His guidance to shape our lives.
Living Under the Leading of the Holy Spirit
It is not enough to just know about God. We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in every decision, every action, and every thought. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:14 that those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God:
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Living according to the Spirit is about surrendering our own will and desires to follow God's purpose for our lives. God is not interested in mere human effort or wisdom;
He desires a people who submit to His leading and act in accordance with His will.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own plans, believing that our wisdom and strategies will lead us to success. However, unless God is the architect of our plans, they are destined to fail. Psalm 127:1 tells us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”
True success comes when we allow God to take the lead in our lives, walking in His ways, and following His commands.
Trust in God's Perfect Path
The world often leads us down paths that are filled with confusion, competition, and empty pursuits. But when we trust God’s guidance, we are walking the path that leads to true life. Proverbs 3:56 advises us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."
God’s way is perfect, even when we do not understand it. We might be tempted to follow the world’s path, but God's path brings life and peace. If we want to know Him, we must submit to His way and trust His plan for our lives.
Conclusion:
Know God, Follow His Lead
Let us stop merely talking about God and start seeking Him with all our hearts. The difference between knowing God and merely knowing about God is profound.
God desires a personal relationship with each one of us, and He is ready to reveal Himself to those who earnestly seek Him.
When we seek God and allow His Spirit to lead us, we will find life, peace, and joy. We will begin to bear the fruit of the Spirit, and we will walk in the purposes He has set for us. Matthew 7:7 encourages us to ask, seek, and knock:
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."
Let us not be content with just knowing about God, but let us seek to know Him deeply. When we do, we will find that He is more than enough to satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts.
