How quickly we 'backslide,' forgetting God's goodness to us in our need, becoming casual in our commitment to His ways, neglecting our devotion. I see this pattern repeated again and again:
crisis comes into a person's life; they fervently seek God and discover the goodness of His love; the crisis passes; life normalizes; the prayers and devotion wane. Mostly likely all of us, if we're honest, will see that we got a lot more devout when the heat was turned up! Sometimes it is a conscious act, a kind of "Let's Make A Deal" with God where we think that if we are really 'good,' that God will reward us with the answer we seek. More often, I believe increased devotion is simply the result of increased awareness of our weaknesses that drives to our knees and into the church house to pursue God's Presence. How sad He must be when we forget Him when all is well.
Moses prepared the Israeli people to enter the Promised Land near the end of their 40 year wilderness trek. From the time of the exodus, through many tests and trials, they had enjoyed the visible Presence of the Lord. He fed them every morning with manna. The glory of His Presence hovered over the Tabernacle. Now, they were about to enter into a good land where they would become more self-sufficient. Moses warned them of the spiritual hazards of increased wealth. He said, "Make sure you don’t forget God, your God, by not keeping his commandments, his rules and regulations that I command you today Make sure that when you eat and are satisfied, build pleasant houses and settle in, see your herds and flocks flourish and more and more money come in, watch your standard of living going up and up— make sure you don’t become so full of yourself and your things that you forget God, your God, the God who delivered you from Egyptian slavery;" (Deuteronomy 8:11-14, The Message)
That word still applies to our lives, Believer. My heart is broken, time and again, by the waning devotion of those who are blessed by God. As they have 'more,' they often serve less in ministry, join in worship less frequently, and develop a lukewarm heart towards the things of God. Let me lay it out plainly with a generalized example. When a young couple is scratching out a living, they find time to teach Sunday School, visit the sick, do nursery service, and such things. They do these things faithfully and without complaint. Their greatest joy is found in their love for God, His people, and the church. Then, the Lord blesses their diligence. As their income increases, they have more choices about leisure time, more resources to use in a discretionary way. Do they increase their service? Too often, no! Instead, they start to travel on weekends, missing worship frequently. They quit the ministries in which they have served for years, because now they claim to have 'no time' when, in reality, they have more leisure time, which they choose to use for themselves. And, then they wonder - "why don't my kids love God like I did when I was younger?" Well, they have a model of Christianity as 'hobby' not as passion! Get the point here?
Moses told the Israelis - "Remember where you came from, Who brought you here, and what He desires from you!" He told them to talk about the Lord constantly, to keep His laws fresh in their minds and hearts, to keep their children. He was direct with them. "I call Heaven and Earth to witness against you today: I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. And love God, your God, listening obediently to him, firmly embracing him. Oh yes, he is life itself, a long life settled on the soil that God, your God, promised to give your ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. " (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, The Message)
Believer, use the power of CHOICE. Choose God's ways today. It is true that our right relationship with God, our salvation is fully provided by Jesus Christ. We are justified by His grace fully and freely. However, living in fellowship with Him, enjoying His blessings - that is the result of our choices. Love Him and let it show.
Here's a word from the Word -
"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’
And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich.
And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love.
Be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! Here I stand at the door and knock.
If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends." (Revelation 3:17-20, NLT)
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