“We are committed to our church, committed to our pastors,
but we are not committed to God.”
Those words resonated in my heart as I
analyzed myself, and felt the Holy Spirit reveal that which was lacking in my
life.
This past weekend I was at a women’s vigil hosted by my
church’s women’s ministry. From beginning to end it was an unforgettable eight
hours in worship, prayer, and teachings of the Bible, but there was one message
that struck me the most, and impacts me even today. One of the speakers began on
the topic of commitment, and as many know, that is something in which we give of
when being part of a ministry or leadership at church and even part of a
relationship. We tend to measure our commitment to how devoted we are in Christ,
to how much we trust and follow his commandments. However, this isn’t always
true or even correct at times. As the guest speaker began talking, she mentioned
this: “We are committed to our church, committed to our pastors, but we are
not committed to God.” For so long did I feel like my devotion to God was
measured and approved by how much I served at church, and by how much I obeyed
my pastors. Boy was I wrong.
When we are committed to someone, we want to gratify and make
the person feel content with us; well it is the same with God. Do not get me
wrong, God does see our effort and commitment to our church and pastors and he
rejoices in our obedience; however we are to feel compromised to him first in
order to want and desire what He wants and desires.
Isaiah 55:8 says: "For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.’ declares the
Lord." We see and know that what God wants for us is not what we want, or
think we ought to do. He wants us to step into his holy place, and see the
wonders that he has set before us. It is not about how many hours we spend
volunteering at church, it is about our hearts and where they are inclined to.
The Bible is very clear to us about seeking the Lord.
"But if from there you seek the Lord
your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all
your soul." -Deuteronomy 4:29
"But seek first his kingdom and his
righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33
I tell you this just as a reminder and to make sure that we
have not fallen into that pattern of serving, serving, serving, and not really
seeking his presence, his holy spirit. With time you will feel empty and tired
of doing the same things at church just like I did once and you will not have
joy, and love to serve your church and others. When our hearts are committed to
God we see everything in a different light. We serve beyond what is required and
we don’t look left or right to see if anyone is watching because we know that
the God of heaven and earth is looking and smiling down on us. “Draw near to
God and he will draw near to you…” Don’t think for any moment that your
good deeds will save you or bring you to good terms with God.
Commit to God,
then your church, and then your pastors.
Posts
