The Open Mind of the Seeker

Gary Henry

“The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God” (Psalm 14:2).

GOD IS LOOKING FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING HIM. To understand this importance, we must at least open our minds to two basic facts: that God exists and that we’re accountable to Him. If we reflect on these two truths with serious minds and reverent hearts, we will want to seek God.

There are, to be sure, many who know the basic truths but do not seek God any further. Their progress in the knowledge of God is blocked by a resistant attitude toward what they already know. In contrast, those who SEEK God are genuinely open to Him. Whatever knowledge of God these individuals may hold, they hold it eagerly and appreciatively. And what they seek is not only to know more of God; they long to have FELLOWSHIP with Him.

The intriguing evidence of Himself that God has left in His creation was meant to move us deeply and stir up our desire. To the citizens of Lystra, Paul said that God “did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). And to his listeners in Athens, he said that God’’s sovereignty over the nations is such “that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).

Perhaps the greatest decision we ever make is deciding what to do about the tokens of God’s existence that we discover in His creation. Do we ignore them or do we welcome them? Do we deny them or do we deal with them gratefully? If we choose to “understand” what the creation has already said about the Creator, then the serious seeking of God will become our goal.

It has been said that there are two classes of people who please God: those who serve him with all their hearts because they know Him, and those who seek him with all their hearts because they do not know Him. As far as God is concerned, open-mindedness on our part is more than intellectual curiosity. It is the delight with which the sincere embrace everything they can learn about their Father. When such people seek God, He is sure to be found.

“God reveals himself unfailingly to the thoughtful seeker”