GRIEF IS PROPORTIONAL TO INTIMACY

No one in this universe or the next has experienced grief in the magnitude that God has. In that same breath no one in this Universe or the next is as intimate a being as God. So it is no surprise that we, being made in the image of God, experience both of these things in our lifetime. Think of it in this way, a mother and child share a special bond that is unique in nature. The way she cares for, looks at, and kisses her child is something to behold. She develops a deeply rooted tie with her child, not merely through large moments, but through thousands of small, everyday memories and routines. 

Heaven forbid tragedy strikes and that child dies an earthly death and is graduated to our Father’s everlasting arms. On the outside looking in, we grieve with that mother, whether as a friend or family member. But no one grieves like the one who gave birth and nurtured that child day in and day out. Her grief seems unbearable compared to ours. Thus her grief is proportional to her intimacy with her lost child.  

Intimacy with God is what we were designed for as His children. To walk with God as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. One truth has always resonated with me since I began my journey with God. The simple and subtle truth that you are as close to God as you want to be. The book of James puts it this way:

 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

It is God’s nature to desire an intimate relationship with each one of us. The God of the universe has more than enough love to give, but we have all experienced that the closer you grow with someone, the greater potential there is for them to harm you or to help you. If someone close to you wrongs you or does something that lets you down, it affects you much more deeply than if it had been a stranger. Therefore, you can imagine the terrible grief God bears daily as His children choose to sin against Him. His heart breaks at the thought of us hurting one another or even ourselves as we deny the very laws He designed to protect us. 

As we reflect on this truth, let it lead us to not treat God’s Heart in a careless way, but understand that He is our heavenly father who loves us and cherishes us. Let us not grieve Him by choosing to live selfishly, but let’s honor Him by choosing to walk in righteousness. 

Practical Challenge: 

Each day this week: Spend the first fifteen minutes practicing gratitude. Thank God for different things (large and small) in your life. An attitude of gratitude is a great place for our hearts to grow in intimacy with the Lord.

- Connor Anderson

INTRINSIC VALUE OBLIGATES

As human beings, by nature, we are creatures of value.  It’s why we order from dollar menus, why we love sales, and why we go shopping on Black Friday to buy things we don’t need. It’s why we keep reward cards and love getting things for free. In every decision we make, we are motivated by what is most valuable. Don’t believe me? Given the choice between a one dollar bill and a twenty dollar bill, which would you choose? You would be foolish not to choose the twenty.  Whats the difference? They are both money, made of the same material, ink, and color, but the bills have very different values. Jesus tells a story in Matthew 13 about value. A man is walking through a field, and finds a treasure buried there. The treasure is so valuable that he sells everything that he has just to buy the field. He found something so worth his attention that he was willing to part ways with everything he used to care about to receive it. Jesus says this is the way it is with the Kingdom of Heaven.  When we see who God is, what He has done for us, and how He loves us, it only makes sense to sell everything else to have Him. Whatever we used to care about fades away in comparison to the treasure we have found in Jesus. What is intrinsic value? The phrase intrinsic value means that an object is valuable in and of itself. A diamond is valuable without anyone’s help. It doesn’t need to be attached to a gold ring to be worth something. It has intrinsic value. On the same token, God is the most valuable being in the whole universe. He is the most intelligent, most powerful, most loving being that exists. He made the earth and everything in it and outside of it. He has never broken a single promise. What is it exactly that makes us want to follow Him? Should we listen to Him solely because He is powerful? Or because he is smart? Or loving? No single attribute that God has is enough to warrant following Him. However, when you look at the whole of His character, seeing God for who He is and understanding His heart, the very best decision is to throw out everything you used to live for and live for Him. Just like the man in Jesus’ story who wisely sold all he had to buy a field, give yourself, all of yourself to find the treasure that is knowing Him. You will never find anything or anyone more intrinsically valuable than God.

Practical Challenge

1. Do a value assessment— Sit down in a quiet place and write down this question: “Why do you do the things you do, and who do you do them for?” Just like screen time on your phone breaks down the different ways you spent your phone’s battery life, make a list of what you give your time, thoughts, and money to…Those are all forms of worship and show what you truly value. Take a good look at this list. What is most valuable in your life? What do you give the most time and attention to? Is it Jesus, yourself, your job, your future, your wallet, your grades, your boyfriend/girlfriend? If it is anything besides Jesus, ask God and a close friend to help you change that.

2. Pledge Allegiance to the King— Start every morning for the next two weeks by kneeling beside your bed and saying “Jesus, you are the King of my life. You are in charge, and I am not. I will live today to honor and serve you and your Kingdom.” See how doing this shapes the way you live!

Much love,

Craig Richey