Characteristic 1.1 – Knowing God

After defining the different parts of the first characteristic (that I will look for in a husband) over the last 2 weeks, I had a little trouble deciding which one of these should be first. That is, living a life that is totally focused on God makes up the first characteristic.  However, I subdivided this into subcharacteristics, such as knowing the Bible, cultivating a heart for prayer, etc.

The one I decided on of all the subcharacteristics was “knowing God”.  I think that above all else, this is what life is about, this is why God created us: to relate with Him. The reason I put this as the first characteristic for my husband, is because I believe that this is the first characteristic that should be pursued in life period, and this is what I will strive for in my own life.

As an individual, I want to not just know the Bible, argue on the theory, disprove erroneous doctrine etc.  Rather, I’m thinking that above all of these, I have to know the God of the Bible.  I have to walk in communion with Him.  I have to cultivate His Spirit in my heart, and listen for His voice in prayer.

Praise and worship is not just about singing lots of holy songs, but about consciously coming into His presence.  My husband is supposed to be my best human friend.  However, God is supposed to be my best friend overall.

So I want a husband who strives to know God, who cries out for His voice, who pursues intimacy with Him as the most desperate yearning of his life; who is not only a servant but also a son of God.  I think that this is the first and foremost thing in life. Honestly, I have put other aspects of my faith first.  This might sound strange, as in a way its all one and the same thing. However, I’m discerning that there is a difference.  This is probably the real difference between “religion” and “truly following Christ”.  If thus far I have only been “religious” now I am finally ready to know the Person behind it all, the one and only God, around whom life, and history and time and the  universe rotate, and around whose splendour and magnificence all else pales and dims – the only God, the living God, the glorious God – God Almighty, the majestic, awesome creator of heaven and earth – Amen!

Personally, this is going to require some big changes on my own part, because I have pursued all the surrounding effects, without pursuing knowing God in its own right.  Now I have identified that this is the most important thing, then I can consciously strive after this as my goal.  I am completely “up for it though”, and I am happy to throw myself into this pursuit “That I may know Him… and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith…” Philippians 3v9-10, quoted backwards! (ie verse 10 first)

Bible Verses:
Philippians 1v21:
²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 

Philippians 3v9-10:

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PHOTO CREDITS
Photo of stained glass window by Hans on Pixabay
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