The Single Greatest Thing You Can Know

Sometimes I sit back, look at the lives of other people and think, "Wow... that's an awesome life." It isn't difficult to do. There are many wonderful things to experience. In this world, there are amazing things to do, and great things to be. But to be completely honest, my life has been fantastic. I've been blessed with a really good life. I have the most exceptional family. God has blessed me with talents and opportunities. I enjoy my friends. My needs are met, and many of my wants are as well. I suppose there are others who may look at my life and think, "Wow... that's an awesome life."

There's a good chance someone reading this will think, "Well, my life isn't so awesome." You may be tempted to wish you had someone else's experience. That is not healthy, and it is likely unnecessary. Just think about your life. Think about the most valuable parts of your life. Think about those people you couldn't do without. Think about those memories that get you through the worst times. Think about those experiences you wouldn't exchange for any amount of money. Think about your dreams... those hopes you have that nobody else knows about. See? You really do have an awesome life.

I'm not trying to say everything in your life is awesome. I am not trying to make all lives equal. I'm just saying that there is much for which we should be thankful.

But with all of that awesomeness, there is something greater. If you have given your life to Christ, and have come to know Him, there is nothing that compares to that. I don't care how much money you have, or how many places you've visited. I don't care how much talent you have, or who you know. It all pales in comparison to our relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul had a pretty amazing life. Even before coming to know Christ he was top of the class. But when dealing with this topic, he put it this way in a letter to what was likely the first church in Europe...

Everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them filth, so that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. (Philippians 3:7-11)

How much value is there in knowing Christ? All of my accomplishments are nothing in light of the value of knowing Christ. Even the greatest thing I've ever done is nothing compared to knowing Jesus. It isn't even a close second. Knowing my Savior dwarfs everything. We aren't talking about knowing Jesus as an historical figure. This is knowing Him as the most integral part of our existence.

Many people spend their life trying to accomplish "the greatest thing," not realizing that they are only accomplishing the equivalent of nothing... compared to the actual greatest thing... knowing Jesus Christ. The most successful people I know are the ones who know Christ. Even among those who are successful by human standards, those who have a true and deep relationship with Jesus will quickly tell you that the achievements of this world are worth nothing  compared to having that experience of Christ. Christians who are wealthy in this world will tell you in a heartbeat that they would give away their wealth in order to have one of their lost family members come to know Christ.

This is not to make you feel better about being a Christian who is a slacker in the material realm. God appreciates excellent effort and effectively using the gifts He has given you to accomplish great and creative things as He gives you opportunity. This is simply a realignment of value. The enemy doesn't care how many trophies you get in your career. In fact, if more trophies could diminish your relationship with Christ, Satan will keep them coming. Congrats on your accomplishments... really. I wish I was as successful as you. But please do not miss the nest in pursuit of the good. We need to stop comparing our things that don't matter with other people's things that don't matter, and start comparing everything to that which matters above all else.

Today you will have the opportunity to lose sight of the greatest things as you deal with the important things. Be thankful for every blessing. But do not forget that after the confetti has been swept up, there is a Redeemer who has bought you with His own blood. He knows you inside and out, and still loves you. He is working His will into your life. He has given you the chance and ability to save the world. Everything else might be nice and good. But He is best.

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