May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19 (NLT)
Last week I had a conversation with someone about submitting to God. She asked me "How do you do that? What's the process?" As I was praying for her and thinking about this conversation, it occurred to me that this was the wrong question. And, we often ask the wrong question when it comes to God. We want a step by step process for how to do "religion."
This week, the posts have been about our hearts being right during offerings, praising God, repenting and representing God to others. All of these things are important for Christians and for our spiritual walk but let's be clear, if you are making yourself do these things so you can check the box, your offering is stinky (see the post from July 2.)
Often we can make ourselves do the right thing. (I personally have never been good that this.) But doing the right thing isn't at the core of what life with Christ is about. The Bible is really clear that the goal is to know him. To fall in love with him and be in a relationship with him.
How do you do that? Here is the only thing that you can do that will truly change your life; spend time with him. It doesn't matter if it's five minutes for five hours. Spend time with him.
- Read the Bible or if you are just getting started and that's harder for you, read a devotional.
- Pray - no timer - just talk and listen. When you are done, stop. When you want to talk again, start.
- Listen to Christian music - some of the best encouragement is here.
- Praise! When you are happy, praise him! Shout it out, dance around and yell WOOHOOO!
- Find a friend or two that know Jesus. Share with them.
I left the church for a while after high school. After I had my kids, I decided to go to church (that felt a little awkward.) I was sitting in the pews, the preacher was preaching and I very clearly heard "Come back." For some strange reason, I knew who it was. And, I said "No. There are too many rules and too much judging." Do you know what he said? "Come and get to know me. No rules. Just me." I thought "Well, what do I have to lose? I'm pretty sure this isn't going to work." So I said "OK." I don't remember everything but I remember starting with a five-minute devotional every morning. When I finished that, I bought another. I started praying more.....not every day at first and slowly, through life's circumstances, God's word (in the devotional) and people, I began to experience Him. That was so long ago but, God is still in it with me to this day.
Get to know who Jesus is - no rules, no check boxes, just honest curiosity. When you do this, your life will take on new meaning and you will be changed. And oh by the way, it does become an exciting adventure. God is anything but boring.