Multi-Faceted

God's been busy in my life; thank goodness: I needed it.

I, for about the period of the last month hadn't really paid a whole lot of attention to Him. I strayed not too far away, but enough to where he had to remind me where I was heading. I like that. I like that my God cares enough about me to let me know when I'm going about things the wrong way. I like knowing He loves me and will take care of me.

I hate that I neglected God, but I'm so very appreciative of the fact that God is forgiving and faithful, even when I might not be. After I wandered into the wilderness of my neglect and sin, God led me into peace and joy. He showed me what I have to look forward to in Him: it's beautiful.

This month God has shown me what it is, (not completely), to be in a committed relationship. He showed me, (all over again it seems), that love, although the basis for a commitment, does not produce a strong commitment. In contrast, commitment, rooted in love for God, will produce the proper feelings and emotions.

This doesn't sound as complete an idea as it should, so let me explain. If I were in a relationship with a woman who I thought was attractive and felt an emotional connect with, and then tried by that logic to produce a commitment, it would not last (as often as we would like). This is because the basis on which the relationship was based was strictly on what they had felt previously, and not on what was to come. When things got hard, it would possibly be assumed that the relationship was bad; there is no accountability, no commitment founded on a basis of love and understanding that feelings and emotions are temporary. However, if I were to start a relationship with someone whom I had made a commitment to, in the understanding that a God glorifying relationship makes satan angry and in turn leads to trials which would be hard, it would last and/or be healthier because when the trials came, they'd be expected. Love and emotion would stem from the commitment because of the prayerful mindset and understanding of the couple.

This relationship applies to God, as well as other people. If I come into a relationship with God because I feel a spiritual peak, and have no intention or idea of what a commitment looks like with the creator, the relationship, debate-ably, would have little depth or strength. The pursuer of God would be discouraged by the lack of emotional highs in a testing relationship and might eventually leave the relationship. Much the same way a couple would break up if things got hard when all they ever thought was supposed to happen was good.


In addition to the example of romantic love, the same principle applies to ministry.

Numbers do not produce a love for God or a commitment worth mentioning; a commitment and burning love for the God of the universe, produces numbers. People are drawn to love. People are drawn to passion. This is why fraternities and sororities are so popular. There are so many people, especially my age, seeking the perfect love that only God can provide. This love of God is attractive to many people. If we want to see people come to God, we must first look at the need of the people, and provide for that need. If we want college age people to love God, WE have to love God first, and they'll be drawn to that love. We can't just start a youth group, invite people, and expect them to stick around. Nobody wants to be in a surface level relationship with anyone for very long. The same goes with a relationship with God.

These are just some of the things that God has laid on my heart. I hope they resonated with you :)

Love,
-Josh