We Must Desire to Know Him, January 15

How Can We Know God?

For I desired mercy and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6.WGD 17.1

We have no time to lose. We know not how soon our probation may close. At the longest, we have but a brief lifetime here, and we know not how soon the arrow of death may strike our hearts. We know not how soon we may be called to give up the world and all its interests. Eternity stretches before us. The curtain is about to be lifted. But a few short years, and for every one now numbered with the living the mandate will go forth: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; ... and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”WGD 17.2

Are we prepared? Have we become acquainted with God, the Governor of Heaven, the Lawgiver, and with Jesus Christ whom He sent into the world as His representative? When our life-work is ended, shall we be able to say, as did Christ our example: “I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.... I have manifested Thy name”?WGD 17.3

The angels of God are seeking to attract us from ourselves and from earthly things. Let them not labor in vain.... The thoughts must be centered upon God. We must put forth earnest effort to overcome the evil tendencies of the natural heart. Our efforts, our self-denial and perseverance, must be proportionate to the infinite value of the object of which we are in pursuit. Only by overcoming as Christ overcame shall we win the crown of life.—The Ministry of Healing, 454, 455.WGD 17.4

The knowledge of God as revealed in His Word is the knowledge to be given to our children.... Let the youth make the Word of God the food of mind and soul.—The Ministry of Healing, 460.WGD 17.5