Persistence and diligence are not character qualities of our times. If something is not quickly and easily obtained, we quickly tire of the pursuit. And yet things of value rarely are easily obtained. Mastery of athletics, music, or school subject matter require persistent and diligent effort. And knowing your Creator is no different.
"you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)
I've often wondered why God doesn't make having a relationship with Him easier. After all, the Creator of all can do anything, so why not just literally appear and make it unmistakably clear that He exists and that He is available for personal interaction? But perhaps that's where our propensity for idolatry comes in: we're much too prone to create some object or likeness that ultimately becomes our object of worship ("So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire, so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure" Deuteronomy 4:15-16).
There is never a "mission accomplished" moment in relationships. Married couples never achieve a relationship that no longer requires effort and investment, not do parents, friends, and families. Relationships inherently require persistence and diligence, and our relationship with our Father requires no less.
Wise people who value relationships plan and schedule time and activities to enhance their relationships. The same applies to our relationship with our Father: deliberate effort is essential for an enriching relationship.
Several years ago I scheduled a one-day retreat with my Father and His Son, my Lord Jesus. The setting was a historic rustic chapel in Indiana, not far from a famous battle scene from the 1800's. It seemed like a fitting place to do battle with the enemy by cultivating intimacy with both of my Lords. This one-day spiritual retreat was not characterized by divine appearances or voices, but it was a satisfying investment in relationships that are more valuable than life itself.
Relationships require diligent and persistent nurture. As your consider the relationships that you value and invest with time and energy, be sure to include a special investment that has eternal benefit.
Steve
"you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29)
I've often wondered why God doesn't make having a relationship with Him easier. After all, the Creator of all can do anything, so why not just literally appear and make it unmistakably clear that He exists and that He is available for personal interaction? But perhaps that's where our propensity for idolatry comes in: we're much too prone to create some object or likeness that ultimately becomes our object of worship ("So watch yourselves carefully, since you did not see any form on the day the LORD spoke to you at Horeb from the midst of the fire, so that you do not act corruptly and make a graven image for yourselves in the form of any figure" Deuteronomy 4:15-16).
There is never a "mission accomplished" moment in relationships. Married couples never achieve a relationship that no longer requires effort and investment, not do parents, friends, and families. Relationships inherently require persistence and diligence, and our relationship with our Father requires no less.
Wise people who value relationships plan and schedule time and activities to enhance their relationships. The same applies to our relationship with our Father: deliberate effort is essential for an enriching relationship.
Several years ago I scheduled a one-day retreat with my Father and His Son, my Lord Jesus. The setting was a historic rustic chapel in Indiana, not far from a famous battle scene from the 1800's. It seemed like a fitting place to do battle with the enemy by cultivating intimacy with both of my Lords. This one-day spiritual retreat was not characterized by divine appearances or voices, but it was a satisfying investment in relationships that are more valuable than life itself.
Relationships require diligent and persistent nurture. As your consider the relationships that you value and invest with time and energy, be sure to include a special investment that has eternal benefit.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:47 AM
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