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read between the lines
wouldn't it be nice wouldn't it be nice ifoh wait, he already did become a human being. but that was way before my time or yours. so how do we relate to god now in the current age? do praying, reading the bible and devotional materials or christian literature, spending time in silent reflection and observation, listening to sermons and gospel or religious tracks, attending christian events, serving in church or community, sharing and praying with fellow believers, following and obeying really help us become close friends with god? apparently not, for it is not the doing that helps but rather the intentions and desires behind doing these things that matter to god. in short, god looks at the heart (1 samuel 16:7). he calls us his friends if we do what he commands (john 15:14) because that is how we show our love for him (i forgot the verse). but my heart isn't doing too good these days. i don't always obey, but when i do obey, most times i don't feel good obeying. in fact oftentimes i get frustrated doing the right thing because sometimes that entails having to suffer. so what is strong enough to motivate us to obey, or to do all of the above? because we love him? but what happens when our love fluctuates, doomed as it is to because of our state of imperfection? a set of sermons i was listening to this week brought this up, and the preacher's answer was that we do obey not because we love him, but because he loves us (paraphrase of 1 john 4:19). in short, knowing we are his beloved causes us to respond in love by obeying. so, how do i know i am his beloved...as in really feel that way? |
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