It's Who You Know

   “It’s all about who you know.”  A simple Google search on the internet reveals many quotes of this phrase or variations on it, such as “it’s not what you know, but who you know.”  Most of these come from business sources, talking about expanding your sphere of influence and networking.  Have you ever thought of how blessed you are to know the people around you?  And especially the person(s) who told you the gospel. 

   An uncounted blessing often is religious freedom, to worship as you choose.  While we would have everyone worship Christ as we do, the choice to follow Jesus, gives Him more glory than a forced devotion.  The freedom we have also allows us to share our beliefs with others.  We can be the ones to lead a family member, co-worker, or friend to the Savior and Lord.  As Romans states, “blessed are the feet of those who carry the gospel. . .”

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, ^g Who bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15

   My thoughts were spurred in reaction to the horrible situation of the Poynter’s.  Once I heard of their plight, I began thinking of how I could help, and made a couple of contacts to show support and attempt to find help through my network of friends.  I was soon humbled when considering how quickly I jumped in to help one of my friends; yet there have been times when no effort was made to help people because I did not “know” them.  I still have a ways to go towards, “love your enemies,” or even friendly acquaintances.  If you are like me, we need to work on both, getting to know others and loving our enemies.

“But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:44

   Beyond helping to meet needs for others, the gospel is still our greatest need.  Be in prayer for Jeremy Lewcyzk and the missionary team in the Philippines who are trying to tell people who do not “know” Jesus.   There are also untold numbers of missionaries seeking new relationships with the intention of introducing others to the gospel.  Who are we seeking to introduce to Jesus?  Certainly at the Great White Throne, we will all believe it is “Who you know” that matters.

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” Matthew 7:21-23