when you’re hungering for more than knowledge

When our girl, Hope, headed to Africa for a month last summer — she packed her Bible & only two books. One of them? The life-changing book: not a fan.  It may have started as a message, but that one little turn-pager of a book,  not a fan has sparked a movement all over the world, changing the story of young kids and parents and grandparents & revolutionizing countless lives. It’s an absolute joy and grace to welcome my friend and pastor, Kyle Idleman, to the farm’s front porch today…

I want to know Christ. —Philippians 3:10

guest post by Kyle Idleman

Are you a follower of Jesus?

It’s the most important question you will ever answer, and it seems like a good place to begin this journey: Are you a follower of Jesus?

I know. You’ve been asked this question before.

Because it’s so familiar there is a tendency to dismiss it.

Not because it makes you uncomfortable. Not because it’s especially convicting.

The question is dismissed mostly because it feels redundant and unnecessary. You recognize that this is an important question for many to consider, but for you? Well, it’s like walking into a Boston pub and asking, “Who cheers for the Red Sox?”

It’s an important question, but you’re so sure of your answer, your mind quickly dismisses it.

But before you move on too quickly, let me clarify what I am not asking.

I am not asking if you go to church or if your parents and grandparents are Christians.

I am not asking if you raised your hand at the end of a sermon or repeated a prayer after a preacher.

I am not asking if you spent your summers at VBS and/or church camp, have ever worn “wit- ness wear,” or understand phrases like “traveling mercies” and “sword drill.”

Many of us are quick to say, “Yes, I’m a follower of Jesus,” but I’m not sure we really understand what we are saying.

One of the most sobering passages in the Bible tells of a day when many who consider themselves to be followers of Jesus will be stunned to find out that He doesn’t even recognize them.

Jesus describes a day when everyone who has ever lived will stand before God. On that day many who call themselves Christians and identify themselves as followers will stand confidently in front of Jesus only to hear Him say, “I never knew you. Away from me.” To be clear, that’s not my opinion or my interpretation; that is what Jesus has said will happen. Read Matthew 7:21–23.

Whether you’ve just assumed you are a follower of Jesus or are faithfully walking with Him, I pray this devotional journey will encourage you along the way as you reaffirm your commitment to follow Him not perfectly but whole- heartedly.

And remember we are invited to follow by the grace of God, and it is His grace that will give us the power we need along the way.

In the Bible, we read about a group of religious leaders known as the Pharisees. The Pharisees knew a lot about God.

When someone wanted to play Bible Trivial Pursuit, Godopoly, or Bible Baseball, they were the team to beat.

They knew about God, but what we discover is they really didn’t know Him.

It’s the difference between knowledge and intimacy.

In Matthew 15:8 Jesus describes the Pharisees this way: “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”

That description seems to fit a lot of fans I know. Churches are full of people who go to Bible studies about Jesus, complete with workbooks and homework. Many preachers refer to their sermons as lessons or lectures, accompanied by outlines where church members can take notes and fill in the blanks.

I spent a number of years growing up confusing my knowledge about Jesus for intimacy with Jesus.

For example, for as long as I can remember I’ve had the books of the Bible memorized in order—all sixty-six of them. Not only that, but I can actually say the books of the Bible in one breath.

Having knowledge is not the problem. But when you have knowledge without intimacy, you’re not really following Jesus.

Like the Pharisees, many people could describe everything they know about Jesus. The truth, though, is that Jesus is not impressed by your knowledge or by my talent. What He really desires is our hearts.

Tell Jesus that you want to know Him, not just know about Him.

Do some honest self-evaluation: Have you spent more time learning about God than learning to fall in love with Him?

Consider reading through the Gospel of John in the next twenty-one days (just one chapter each day),

simply focusing on getting to know Jesus.

 

Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the fourth largest church in America.  He is the author of the award-winning and bestselling book not a fan: becoming a completely committed follow of Christ. 

Guess who scooped this book up right away in our house? You got it –Hope was all over this one. Featuring all new content building on the book not a fan, in not a fan daily devotional, Kyle dives deep into each of his principles from the original book and helps you see how you can live out what it means to be a truly committed and sold-out follower of Jesus.

Seventy-five days of insights, stories, encouragement, and biblical truth and inspiration will bring this life-changing book to an even deeper level for all those who desire to take the next steps in following Jesus. A powerful read for the new year, for the whole family, for real soul-change — for those who are looking to know God more in the midst of where they are right now.

[ Our humble thanks to Zondervan for their partnership in today’s devotion ]