In recent weeks I’ve been devoting one post a week to the concept of having a “dinner date” with God. It’s important that we have “snacks” and “meals” with God. Like any friendship, when you spend time together, you strengthen the relationship.
One thing I’ve been thinking about lately is that it’s very important that we never get into any sense of obligation about spending time with God.
Why?
Because obligation smacks of religion. And God’s not interested in religion.
He wants relationship.
So what’s the difference?
Religion keeps you content right where you are.
Relationship wants more of God and desires life change every day.
Religion will have you accept things without questioning or searching for the truth.
Relationship will have you searching for the truth to guide your life and change your heart.
Religion will teach you about God.
Relationship will introduce you to God.
Religion happens on Sunday morning
Relationship happens every day of the week.
Religion is “do.” You need to earn your salvation.
Relationship is “done.” Jesus died for your salvation.
This is an important concept for us to understand because any type of spiritual discipline can become “religion” if we go about it with the wrong motive.
I don’t want to spend time with God because I “should.” I want to spend time with God because I want to. Because it keeps me grounded in truth. Because He keeps my heart in tune with His heart.
Have you ever noticed that when you hang with a friend, you become more like that friend? That’s the only motive we need for having a “snack” or “meal” with God. I want to spend time with God because I want to be more like him.
We need to throw religion out the window and and embrace relationship with all we’ve got!
“Each one of us has a God-shaped hole inside, and nothing can fill it except God Himself. But sadly the world is filled with empty people hoping to fill this void by using wealth, success and power, approval from people, illicit relationships, drugs, alcohol, sex, or even food to quench the hunger and thirst that only a right relationship with God can satisfy. Without Christ and His forgiveness we are left crippled and frustrated, like an addict trying to find another fix. God loves us; He has a plan for us and in this plan He doesn't ask us to deny our desires for intimacy, beauty, fun and adventure. Religion does that. Jesus invites us to have an intimate relationship with Him because He wants to satisfy the deepest longings of our souls. He wants us to hold on to faith and not fear so we are set free to live an abundant life while serving others…everyday.”
I love that I can now say, "I get to spend time with God in the Bible" and not, "I have to!"
I try to think of time with God, as God desiring me so much, that he just wants to "hang out with me" and all my "warts and
secrets"…..which are not really secrets at all to Him!!!