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The human nature is always seeking after something, it knows not what, but feels that it is just around the next corner. A lucky break. A twist of fate and that strange longing will be satisfied, but it never is. That is, until one comes to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In creation, the Lord incorporated into the make up of man a capacity for spiritual things. We substitute the things of this life and world but they never measure up to a complete satisfaction. There is always an emptiness, a cry for more. Mankind is not only natural but he is also spiritual. To neglect the spiritual and favor the natural can only create an emptiness, even when surrounded by the wealth of the world. Why is it so, God has set eternity in their hearts. Ecc. 3:11b NIV Only eternal life can fully satisfy that void which the Lord has placed in each and every one of us.
Oddly enough, to know Christ, while bringing great satisfaction and joy to the heart, will create a greater desire to know Him better. We have a tremendous example in the Apostle Paul. One who was willing to forsake all which is important to the worldly minded that he might gain in the knowledge of Christ. A knowledge, and acquaintance which he counted as being of the highest value. He was determined to find a more intimate fellowship, a more complete comprehension of this wonderful man, the Lord Jesus. To obtain his goal he was willing to lose all that had been so important to him in the past. All things would include wealth, fame, fortune, standing in the religious community and anything else which he had valued. Too great a sacrifice? Not for the benefits gained. Phil. 3:8
That I may be found in Him. Phil. 3:9 This is the secret place of the Most High. The glory of His presence. In the case of Paul it also included that which had been the source of pride in his life, the righteousness of the Law. Self righteousness, not the righteousness which is found in the Lord Jesus. Paul recognized the difference and sought after the righteousness of Christ, which is the gift of the Lord to all who will seek Him. The Lord Jesus imparts that which is true righteousness. That which completely changes the attitude and behavior of the recipient. It is a righteousness obtained by faith and not by the works of the law or by good deeds. Faith is made operative by out love from the Lord Jesus Christ. Gal. 5:6.