I've been reading a book called Crazy Love (Overwhelmed By A Relentless God) by Francis Chan. It's a great book that really makes you think about your relationship with Christ. As I was reading this morning, it was talking about what great lengths we take when we are madly in love with someone..."you'll drive for hours to be together, even if it's only for a short while, you don't mind staying up late to talk, you're willing to spend a small fortune for the one you care about, he/she is the only one you can think about, and when you're apart from one another it's painful and miserable..." Lots of us have probably shared this experience with at least one person in our life. But, as the chapter goes on, a question is posed: Are you in love with God?
The critical question for our generation -- and for every generation -- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever say, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there.? -John Piper
Wow! Aha moment here! How many of us would say, "You know, I think I'd be okay with that." And how many of us could never be satisfied in a heaven without Christ? If we are as deeply in love with God as we should be we know we could never live in a heaven without God!
Earthly relationships can only grow when we are committed to developing a relationship. It's the same way with God. If we aren't committed to building a relationship with Him, it's not going to happen. Lots of times we need His help in building a relationship. All we have to do is call out to Him and He will help us. I love what James wrote "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (4:8).
3 months ago
