The words “I love you” rarely mean much these days. No matter how sincerely they are proclaimed, there is often something held back. Most mean something like, “I will give you what you want as long as I get what I want from the deal.” During weddings you hear “they are so in love” as they pledge their love “until death do us part” and yet too often they break up after someone doesn’t keep their side of the bargain. It happens so often; couples sign pre-nuptial contracts just in case. People are so uncommitted; they increasingly pass on marriage and live together so they can leave when they want.
Maybe that’s why people have trouble loving GOD? As many give up on GOD, surely there is a remnant who truly loves Him? We see big Churches filled with enthusiastic worshippers, with tears streaming down their faces and hands lifted in praise! Everyone says they are so in love with GOD as they pledge their love, even unto death! So, what’s the problem? The world isn’t changing! What has that got to do with love for GOD? Everything! If they “love GOD” there should be a mighty move of GOD around them. Their relationship with GOD is a personal matter and we shouldn’t judge them! I’m pointing out what love should be verses what it is!
So how are we supposed to love GOD? JESUS said “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Mat 22:37-38 KJV). Since it’s a commandment from JESUS, we should love GOD that much. How can I do that? I can tell you it will take more than a couple hours in Church on Sunday, liking a few Facebook posts and playing Christian music.
If you fall in love with a person, you want to spend time with them and get to know everything about them. JESUS said “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:7-8 KJV). If you want your relationship with GOD to grow, spending time in prayer and in His Word gives you power and will glorify GOD. Laura Lu, a young Prophet GOD is using mightily, has spent many hours a day and night in prayer and the Word for the last 8 years. I’m too busy to do that! She was too, until she began to love GOD more than the world. Her love of GOD has challenged mine!
Isn’t that going too far? I want to have a life! JESUS said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10 KJV). Do you realize how much GOD loves you and how much He gave you? “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). JESUS loves you so much He “humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Phil 2:8 KJV). They both gave all their heart, mind, and soul. Sound familiar? They gave all and it changed the world forever.
If you start loving GOD with all your heart, mind, and soul, it will change you and then you, with the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, will change your world. Then you will be ready for the next command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mat 22:39 KJV).
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!