journey onWord with us

Another spring has officially “sprung” and I am ready to start golfing. I have always had great fondness for trying to master the sport. There are friends in my life who are not just fond, but 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, which never reach the level of a passion. It seems 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 a great Christian of days gone by… “Each of us is as close to God as we choose to be.” ~ Dr. Oswald Sanders. Combined with an honest evaluation of our spiritual passion, I believe this quote gives clarity to where many of us are on the journey. If you are a Christ-follower, there is no doubt 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? Looking for 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 who was not also 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 guide and reshape you. There is a burden in my spirit that modern American Christianity treats our relationship with God’s Word as I treat my golf game: Fondness, but no passion! Far too many errors are made because we just don’t want to invest the time in reading and practicing. But in matters eternal, the stakes are much higher than in a game.  Every relationship that you and I have is affected by our relationship with God through His Word.

So if you have chosen 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 know Him more.  When you do, there will be no doubt about purpose and fulfillment.