The Lodestar

To know Jesus is to build a relationship that transforms lives. The Bible reveals who he is, not merely as a historical figure, but as the living Christ (John 17:3). This knowledge is not limited to intellectual understanding but calls for a personal, intimate connection. When Paul writes, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8), he underscores that knowing Jesus outweighs all other accomplishments. It is not just about reading the Bible, but about experiencing the depth of His love and grace through daily life. This personal knowledge gives clarity and purpose, reshaping perspectives on success, failure, and meaning.

Consider the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1—10), whose life changed after encountering Jesus. Once a man obsessed with wealth, Zacchaeus came to know Jesus personally, and his priorities shifted dramatically. His willingness to give away half his possessions demonstrated that proper knowledge of Jesus transforms character. Similarly, knowing Jesus invites us into a deeper reality where his example shapes our identity and actions.

Loving Jesus

To love Jesus is more than a feeling; it is a commitment that expresses itself through obedience and devotion. Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love is not abstract or passive; it is shown in tangible actions. Loving Jesus shapes how we live our daily lives, from how we treat others to how we spend our time.

Consider the example of Mary, who sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to his teaching, while her sister Martha busied herself with preparations (Luke 10:38—42). Jesus commended Mary’s choice, showing that love for him prioritises time spent in his presence. Loving Jesus means prioritising him over the busyness and distractions of life. It is easy to become overwhelmed with responsibilities, but real love sets him at the centre, guiding all other aspects of life. In this, love becomes active, which leads us to align our desires with his will.

Serving Jesus

Serving Jesus is the natural outflow of knowing and loving him. It is the response of a heart transformed by his grace. Jesus declared, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45), showing that his example calls us to a life of service. Serving Jesus is not confined to church roles but encompasses all areas of life, from caring for others to fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity.

A vivid example is found in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25—37), where the Samaritan serves a wounded stranger without hesitation. This illustrates that serving Jesus means serving others, even when inconvenient or costly. Service, rooted in love for Jesus, reflects his character. We become his hands and feet as we serve, reaching out to a needy world.

The greatest thing in life is knowing, loving, and serving Jesus. These three aspects are interconnected, each flowing naturally into the next. Knowing Him leads to loving him and loving him leads to serving him. In this, we find true fulfilment, living lives that reflect his love and purpose.

(Thangchinlian Guite, hailing from Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Manipur, is a dedicated local church member who serves as a Sunday School teacher within the Baptist Children Department. With a lifelong passion for writing, he finds joy in weaving his imagination into words on paper.)