This is eternal life that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  John 17:3 NASB

This scripture passage comes from a prayer prayed by Jesus which is known as the “high-priestly” prayer. In this particular verse, Jesus is praying for the sanctification of believers. In order to have eternal life, we must know God and know Jesus.

There is an old saying that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. This refers to having connections or knowing people in high places. This can help us do a number of things. It can help to get jobs. It can help to get us out of a punishment that is due us. It may help us obtain status. In southeast Louisiana, it is often referred to as the “Good Old Boy” system. It happens with members of certain social clubs like fraternities and sororities. People want to be connected to people that can help them to get what they want in this world. I have seen it at work for many years. We are about to have another election and it is alive and thriving in our political system. Being in “the click” is extremely important.

Now if you know people in powerful positions you may be able to get what you want. If you know people in high places you may even be able to commit crimes and get away with it. Some may say good for you, but I don’t. I say, please repent.

You see, I have come to realize that it is all about who you know and what you know. It’s about having a good, solid relationship with your Lord and Savior. It’s about knowing the truth that is found in HIs Word. Romans 8:31 tells us that if God is for us, who can be against us? James 4:4 says that friendship with the world is enmity with God.

If you really want to be well connected, you need to get to know Jesus. John 14:6 tells us that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life and that no man gets to the Father but through Him. There is no job, no amount of money, no amount of political clout or status that is worth giving up eternal life. And while we may give up some of those things in order to have a solid relationship with the Lord, our relationship with Him gives us things that we can’t count on from the world. It gives us peace (Philippians 4:7). It gives us joy (Isaiah 51:11). It gives us protection (Psalm 91).

As Christians we need to know God’s Word. It is important that we study our Bible and have a good understanding of God’s Word. So what we know is important. Who we know brings it all together for eternity.

We live in a world that seems to be becoming increasingly more evil day by day. We are warned against loving this world and the things that are in the world (1John 2:15). We are told that if we love the world the Father is not in us. The things of this world such as the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away but the one who does the will of God will live forever (1John 2:16-17).

As we watch those in high places get what they want it is easy to become frustrated. I leave you with Psalm 37:1-3, “Do not fret because of evildoers, be not envious toward wrongdoers. For they will wither like the grass and fade like the green herb. Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.”

My friend, it really is who you know. My prayer for you today is that you really know the Lord. I pray that you are in a close relationship with Him. I pray that you enjoy all the benefits that it offers and that you have devoted yourself to Him, heart and soul. This is the only relationship that is eternal. Why waste your time on those that are fleeting?

Have a great day!