I tell Connie several times a day that I love her very much. And from my perspective I do love her with as much love as I know how to love another human. She has heard me say that, probably to the point it has become ‘boring’, but I suspect she is looking for ways, other than words, that will validate or invalidate the words I say. Should I choose not to trust her, to break a promise to her or neglect doing what she interprets to be an expression of my love; those actions would speak louder than my words.
To what extent might that be true of God as well? We say we love God with ‘all’ our hearts, at least quite frequently go through a form of worship, contribute our tithe, serve in ministry and even try to do our devotions on a reasonably regular basis. While at the same time we struggle to genuinely trust Him in our finances, health, job, etc. when we experience a downturn in those areas. We may also find it hard to obey what He tells us in His Word or whispers in our daily life. And, we are prone to do things that show a lack of trust in His Word when ‘no one is looking’. In that light, could God be confused with our “I love You with ‘all’” words or thoughts? Does He have good reason to question the authenticity of our words?
This morning I was challenged with the question of ‘How well do I know this God I claim to love with all my heart? How much initiative do I show each day to learn to know Him, His values, and ways better? Do I regret having not learned more about who He is in the last few weeks? Am I so ravished in my love for Christ that others are attracted to Him simply because my Christlike attitude, His incredible inner peace, joy and love for even my enemies has been made evident in my life? Are unbelievers drawn into wanting what I have because it is so much better than what they have? Isn’t this what Jesus alluded to when He said John 13:35 (NIV) “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
I can’t speak for anyone but as for me, my thoughts today have reawakened me. Sometimes I work harder to be consistent in my love for Connie than I do in my love for God. I do not feel condemned, but I do feel spurred on to know Him better! My prayer today is, “My God forgive my spiritual adultery. I humbly receive that forgiveness. Now Holy Spirit, PLEASE keep changing me into having more of the heart Jesus had for His Father.” He literally denied His own desires to the point of enduring all that went into His crucifixion WITHOUT SO MUCH AS A WORD OF REGRET FOR HIS CHOICE OR DISDAIN FOR THOSE WHO ABUSED HIM!! I long for that kind of a heart of love for my God.
If I take time to reflect on my spiritual journey, I must admit I have experienced more of God’s faith, love and joy in my life when I am most intimate with Him. And gratefully, as my years continue to progress (ageing can have it benefits), I’ve been experiencing more of those qualities on a more frequent basis than in my yester-years. This increased experience tastes so good I only want to be changed more and more into His likeness. Would you join me, even collaborate with me, in ways we both can pursue greater intimacy with our God? This verse has inspired me to intentionally walk with others in my spiritual journey. Jude 1:20 (NLT) “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit,”
Thanks for these encouraging and challenging words. Joining with others in active pursuit of God and kingdom is amazing, joyful and powerful! May we continue to build up each other and pray powerful prayers in the Holy Spirit! Love that verse!