I am fond of golf. I have friends who are passionate about golf (and that’s why they always beat me). My wife and I are fond of walking on long trails, but not passionate enough to do it regularly. You are probably no different. There are things you are fond of, that don’t reach the level of a passion. It’s probably fair to say that today’s Christian America has a fondness for God, but not the passion to sacrifice comfort for His cause. A logical question for all of us is, “would a greater passion for God bring a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in my life?” If not, why would He desire it of us?
In my meditation on the subject, I remembered a relevant quote from another of our posts; “each of us is as close to God as we choose to be”(Oswald Sanders). Combined with an honest evaluation of our spiritual passion, I think this quote gives clarity to where many of us are on the journey. If you are a Christ follower, there is no doubt that you love God and can absolutely be used greatly for His cause. Since yesterday ended at midnight, don’t be concerned about yesterday’s lack of passion. What is His purpose for you today? Finding spiritual purpose, without seeking to know God will only lead to frustration. To know God and His purpose, the Word has to play a vital role in your life.
A favorite author of mine, Beth Moore, writes in Believing God, “an ongoing relationship with God through His Word is essential to the Christian’s consistent victory!” I don’t know that I have ever met a person whose faith I would want to emulate, that was not a student of the Word. Make no mistake; consistent intake of the heart of God will change you. You will learn His perspective on life, and that insight will shape and reshape you. I am very conscious that many who read our articles have known Christ for many years. But there is a burden in my spirit that modern American Christianity treats our relationship with God’s Word like I treat my golf game. Far too many errors are made because I just don’t want to invest the time in my relationship with God. But in matters eternal, the stakes are much higher. Every relationship that you and I have is affected by our relationship with God through His Word.
So if you will choose today to be close to God, choose to be close to His Word. We all have a decision before us – fondness or passion. If you desire to consistently have His perspective, start today with a fresh view of the Word and its power in your life. Yesterday really did end at midnight, and the Creator of each new day wants you to have His insight. When you gain it, there will be no doubt about purpose and fulfillment.
This week a good friend and member of a Bible study class that I lead received the Lord. She had been experiencing a ‘fondness’ for the Lord for a number of years but when asked to share her actual experience realized that she couldn’t. Now her ‘living for the Lord’ has become a passion for the Lord. Her reading of the Word has taken on a new depth.
I will share this article with my classes.
By: Jane McEwen on March 28, 2011
at 6:59 pm