Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared some devotions. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.
One of the deepest desires of the Christian heart is not simply to know about Jesus, but to truly know Him. That longing echoes through Len Ballantine’s beautiful song “If…Then“:
Lord, you can make life worth living.
But I've got to know you;
Got to know you more!
The song reminds us of Jesus’ words in scripture:
Remain in me, as I also remain in you.
John 15:4
There is a wonderful simplicity in the song’s message. If His mind is in us, and we are in Him, then our service becomes selfless. Our work is not wasted. Our friendships become deeper. Our lives are marked by purpose and meaning.
So often we look for significance in what we achieve, what we own, or what others think of us. Yet Paul wrote in Philippians 3:10, “I want to know Christ.” Not simply know more facts, but know His power, His presence, His strength, and His love.
The Christian journey is not about striving harder to make our lives worthwhile. It is about drawing closer to Jesus day by day. As we spend time with Him in prayer, in His Word, and in fellowship with His people, He shapes our thoughts, guides our decisions, and transforms our character.
The promise of the song is that a life surrendered to Christ is never wasted. When Jesus is at the centre, even the smallest act of kindness, the quietest note played in worship, or the simplest word of encouragement can become part of His work in the world.
Today, may our prayer be the same as the song’s refrain:
Lord, I've got to know You; got to know You more.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, place Your mind within us and help us to remain in You. Make our service selfless, our work fruitful, and our lives worthwhile through Your presence. Above all, give us a greater desire to know You more each day. Amen.
As you listen to “If…Then”, may its message encourage you to seek not just a deeper understanding of Christ, but a deeper relationship with Him.
If your mind is in me
And 1 am in you,
Then my service would be selfless
And your humble attitude would mark my life
And make it worth something.
Lord, you can make life worth living.
But I've got to know you;
Got to know you more!
I want to know Christ,
His power in my life,
His confidence to fight and win;
For the struggle to take hold,
To press on toward the goal,
Is worth anything.
He's worth everything to me.
If your mind is in me
And I am in you,
Then my work would not be wasted
And I'd know what I should do
To mark my life and make it worth something.
Lord, you can make life worth living.
But I've got to know you;
Got to know you more!
If your mind is in me
And 1 am in you,
Then we'll find a lasting friendship
That will every mountain move
And mark my life and make it worth something.
Lord, you can make life worth living.
But I've got to know you;
Got to know you more!
