And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
Straightforward and to the point. Eternal life is to know God and His Son whom He sent to save us.
This verse stuck out to me today not because of any profound thought or insight. It is a basic, simple truth to the Christian life that never gets old. But I think it hit me deeper today because of the season of life I’m in.
Life is good. My roommates and I just moved into a beautiful house that meets the needs of our daily life and fulfills our dream of being an open place for people to come and go. My family is loving and supportive in the direction God is taking me. I am surrounded by real, meaningful, deep friendships that reflect the character of God and the community within the Trinity. God constantly provides for me and is revealing so much of who He is through His Word.
All of these are blessings and prefect gifts from God. They are independent of me, nothing I’ve earned or deserved but stand to remind me of God’s grace and mercy in my life.
Yet, more often than not, I turn these gifts into something to make me hold on tighter to this world instead of trusting and enjoying the only true God. I lose sight of eternal life and become consumed by worldly living.
I think that’s why Jesus’ words hit my heart so deeply today. Yes, I am to enjoy life on this earth. But my joy is to be found in Christ, knowing Him and experiencing Him, living for the glory of God. And more than that, my eyes should be set on eternity, regardless of my worldly processions and surroundings, with my hope set in eternal life when I can experience unbroken fellowship with God.
The life worth living for is not found here. It is only found in knowing God. This world will pass away. But hope in and come to know God and His Son whom He sent and real life, eternal life will be yours.
