Be Known
- Being known can be a scary prospect. In modern culture, we have perfected the art of isolation. We carefully cultivate our Instagram pictures to show only what we want others to know about us. We wonder why we feel lonely and isolated as people, yet we struggle to connect in meaningful ways, allowing our true selves to be known by others. We fear rejection and ostracization, and so we only allow others to know the “safe” struggles that we deal with. This kind of self-isolation can only harm us. We are called to bear each other’s burdens, but we cannot bear what we do not share. If others don’t know how we are struggling, how can we expect them to help? We must make a decision to push into the act of transparency with each other, allowing others in so that we can know each other fully.
- When people look at the image I present to the world, what do they think about me? Am I allowing others in to my life transparently?
“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
- If being known by others is scary, the thought that we could be known by the Judge of Heaven and the creator of the universe is downright terrifying. “What would God really think about me if he knew my inmost thoughts?” Fortunately, we know the answer to this question. Not only are we completely known by God in a way that no person could ever know us, but he loves us anyway. God not only knew that we were filthy sinners who could never hope to live up to the perfect standard of holiness, but he chose to send his beloved son to earth to die for us anyway. God knew us, with all of our faults, and knew we would never be able to reach him, and so he made a way for us to be with him by his own power. We continue to hide ourselves from him, not realizing that he already knows and loves us anyway.
- How do I try to hide myself from being known by God? How can I embrace the love and acceptance I can find in Him?
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.” – Psalm 139:1
- We have a role in knowing each other. After all, being known and knowing others require more than one person. We must intentionally seek and desire to know our brothers and sisters. While we are called to share our burdens with others, we also must be ready and willing to bear the struggles of others. This is how God designed his people to act. When one is weak, then through God’s power, we can be strong for them. We should be ready to serve and love when those around us are hurting. We also must seek to know others. How many times have you seen the same cashier at Target and not asked their name? Who is your neighbor? Does your child’s teacher recognize you at the football game? Introverts and extroverts alike have been called to know others, and love them.
- Who should I know that I don’t know at all? Who in my circles is a mystery to me?
“Dear friends, let us love one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – I John 4:7
Life Application: We should desire to be known and to know others. Look at the people around you and choose one person to get to know better and one that you will open up to. Ask them to coffee or dinner.
For Prayer: Pray for the foster and adoptive families and children in our community. Pray that God would provide more homes for those kids in need.