Do you really know what you think you know?

At moments of heightened self-awareness, it’s not uncommon to realize what we thought we “knew” was more intellectual than really knowing.

There’s knowing — such as “knowing” 1+1=2 — and then there’s “to know” knowing, that’s to know so fully it is something we are very sure of, unshakably so.

That kind of “knowing” is part of the experience of following Jesus, something reflected in this story told by pastor K. Edward Skidmore:

After the Communist Government of China kicked out all foreign missionaries, most contact with China was cut off. A lot of people wondered if Chrisitianity would die out completely. In 1972, a group of American Christians were thrilled to receive an unusual message from contacts in China. The message simply said, “Be assured that that ‘this I know’ people are doing well!”

The message was not censored by the Chinese authorities because it made no sense to them. But the American Christians understood that “This I know” came from the song missionaries had taught children in China at least twenty years before. All of you probably know the song by heart:

Jesus loves me! This I know

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong;

They are weak, but He is strong (vs. 1).

To really know the love of Christ transforms our lives, and to K N O W He loves us is part of the foundation for our existence.

Unfortunately, many Christians say they “know” the reality of what a scripture proclaims, but can’t seem to identify that reality when it’s right before their eyes.

Example: Many of us claim we know this is true, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them,” (Romans 8:28), but many of us are more like the friend Bob Benson writes about in his book. In “See You At The House,” Benson recounts the story of a friend who had a heart attack. At first it didn’t seem like the man would live, but eventually he would recover. Months later, Bob asked him:

“Well, how did you like your heart attack?”

“It scared me to death, almost.”

“Would you do it again?”

“No!”

“Would you recommend it?”

“Definitely not.”

“Does your life mean more to you now than it did before.”

“Well, yes.”

“You and Nell have always had a beautiful marriage, but are you closer now than ever?”

“Yes.”

“How about that new granddaughter?”

“Yes. Did I show you her picture?”

“Do you have a new compassion for people – a deeper understanding and sympathy?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know the Lord in a deeper, richer fellowship than you had ever realized could be possible?”

“Yes.”

“… how’d you like your heart attack?”

Do you really know what you think you know? When you do, your life will become more full, your relationship with Jesus Christ deeper and richer. Don’t settle for a shallow knowing, go deeper so you can really know what you think you know.

Scotty