While driving, I felt the Spirit ask me this question. I had to stop and very seriously consider this question, and all that it by nature entails. If I like Him, then I will visit Him on regularly at His house, tell others about His greatness, and encourage others to make His acquaintance. That is very easily done. But to actually love Him?
That would mean that I would mean that I would need to change everything in my life that He is not happy with, because I wish to please Him. I would want to be more like Him, desire to be more acceptable in His eyes. I would have to talk to Him, and study the Book that He has asked me to read.
How many times do we as Christians claim that we love Jesus, but then only wish to spend only a few hours in His presence, reading His Word, or having anything to do with Him? Do we love Him or do we merely like Him?
I have heard 'Christians' say that they do not wish to have a deeper walk with God because of what they would have to surrender. I have heard them say, "I do not believe that it is necessary to do all of that extra stuff. I go to church on Sunday morning and am a good Christian. More than that is not required." How can you truly love someone that you only wish to spend a couple of hours a week with?
The problem is truly one of a misplaced heart. When one truly falls in love with Jesus, all of the things that one must change becomes a bit easier, because He is the one that is asking. You will desire to do anything to please Him and make Him happy. Thus, the line of the song is fulfilled that says, "The things of this world will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."
I had a couple of songs come to mind recently, and they each seemed to reflect the attitudes that we can take towards our Lord. The first is the new song, 'I am a Friend of God.' It is fast with an upbeat feel to it. It stirs the blood and encourages a lot of excitement. However, while all of these things are good, they are still shallow emotions that are swiftly replaced.
The second song is older and says:
More than anything,
More than anything,
I love You, Jesus,
More than anything.
More than worldly wealth,
More than life itself,
I love You, Jesus,
More than anything.
Are you going to learn to love Him more than anything else this world can offer? That is the true question. What will you do with a King who loved His rebellious subjects so much that He laid aside His crown, became like one of them, died in the place of those rebels, and then offered pardon to any who would ask?
The question is simple, but the answer to that will make all the difference in the world.
