Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. (Proverbs 23:12)How we try to corner God into our instant, fast-food, pay at the pump human-type of mindset.
But do we really try to know more of God?
Unfortunately for many, the cost of missing a favorite TV shows or enjoying a favorite hobby seems more important that getting close to Jesus.
Sadly, many who have claimed His Name are lax in their personal quest to walk daily with Him.
Sure, some show up for Sunday church.
Some might even participate in a bible study group overviewing twelve weeks of feel-good facts on Esther, Daniel, Joseph or whomever.
But if we were to be honest while knowing that the initial mushy-gooey courtship of our salvation experience has passed - very few of us would admit that it is most inconvenient to spend our personal time in private study meditating on Christ.
If we were to be honest, we would admit that studying God's Word isn't easy or fun.
So, many of us have substituted and condensed receiving His truth into scanning half-page magazine-style devotionals, or listening to 10 minute recordings of our favorite dynamic Christian speaker.
We skim websites and social networking pages looking for bits of enlightenment and quirky Christian musings.
But can these tid-bits sustain a healthy relationship with God?
Or our we merely catering to our limited attention spans?
Hm. Something to consider.
I fear that many wish to claim His benefits of eternal freedom from sin, but don't obediently live close to Christ - digging deeply into every crevice of His glory in order to know our Shepherd's heart MORE.
To this, I ask...
What is more important than knowing God intimately?
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, the Bible is literally God-breathed!
Clearly there is nothing more important than for each of us to study and know Him personally, intimately, closely!
But to know God, we must rightly divide His Word.
We must seek the wisdom found only in His Truth.
It is a lot like dating vs. taking the life-long, sacrificial and submissive plunge into marriage.
Early on, we were once enraptured with the Savior and loved to hear the warmness of His grace.
But once the novelty of redemption became commonplace to our earthly eyes and ears...
Once the reality of living His way surfaced and the honeymoon stage concluded...
Are we truly willing to make it our priority to dig deeper and grow closer to this holy King?
Will we remain devoted to Him?
Will we live dedicated to our Heavenly Husband and true to our eternal marriage?
Will we follow His guidance and become more familiar with His beautiful voice, His perfect Way, His holy Word?
If not, why not?
Because it's too hard?
Really?
No, nothing is too hard for the Lord.
He has given you His Word for a purpose.
We will either seek Him fully... or we won't.
But the ball is definitely in our court.
The choice is ours to make.
So, ask yourself,,,
Is your Christianity more about a romanticized Heavenly "dinner date" who prevents starvation and a horrific demise... or is it about intimately living in union with the Most High and seeking after the love of your life? His perfect, life-giving LOVE!!!
I cannot emphasize strongly enough just how important studying the Bible is.
It exists so that we may learn more and more about our Creator.
He knows us better than we know ourself.
So, why not make time to know The Lover of our soul?
Really, what is more important than knowing God intimately?
Please think on these things and prayerfully consider your relationship with the One who is worthy of all praise.
Are you claiming Christ merely to gain a dinner date OR to deeply share a lifetime of love and intimacy in marriage to the Most High?
Abide in Him.
Live united, devoted...
And love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, soul, mind, strength!
This is the day!!!
Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:15-16)
Blessings!
~Victoria
© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson
Wow, this really spoke to me. This is about the 3rd "message" I have read, heard in a church service or on the radio in the past week on this very subject of getting fired up for the Lord and putting the things of this world before our time with Him. Message FINALLY received Lord, thank you for your endless patience with me!!!
ReplyDeleteWow Victoria! I really think you outdid yourself with this one. Mentioning how this is like that of a marriage relationship, this has opened my eyes about my relationship with God in a different way. I'll be honest, I'm not really good with relationships to begin with, but this is different. This is intimate in a way I never expected. God is my husband,friend, father all in one! And the best part about my getting to know God is that I've learned that it's a slow process, which is contrary to how humans view a relationship with God. Humans expect that once you're a Christian, you are to be advanced in your relationship. It's not that easy. I'm glad you posted this because I'm in the middle of getting to know God and this sheds light in a whole new way. Thank you and God bless! :-)
ReplyDeleteXOXOXO!
ReplyDeleteThe study of god can be very complex. As a preference I prefer to study the subject of religion to be less pressing and less organized. Great blog
ReplyDeleteWow girl.Victoria you understand this lover/beloved relationship with Jesus! God bless you.
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