The older I get, the more I realize how simple life is. Everything hinges on one relationship, my relationship with God.
If you’re not a believer, then this story is not for you. I’m sorry, about that. If you are, then kindly keep reading.
- Are you happy and enjoying life?
- Are you where you thought you’d be at this point?
- Do you have a clear conscience?
- Do you have relief from your pain?
Let’s examine the state of your heart. Be honest with yourself. Take a minute and write down the top three things you love.
What’s #1?
Is it God?
One of the most confusing stories in the Bible is the story about Abraham and Isaac. What kind of God would ask a father to sacrifice his son?
Abraham was very old when Isaac was born. The strength of Abraham’s affection for Isaac was so strong, that Isaac quickly became the idol of his heart. The baby represented everything sacred: the promises of God, his hopes, his dreams. As he watched Isaac grow into a young man, Abraham’s heart was knit closer and closer with the life of his son until it the relationship became borderline dangerous. It was then that God stepped in to save both father and son from the consequences of an unhealthy love.
Then God said, “Take your only son, Isaac, the son you love, and go to the land of Moriah. Kill him there and offer him as a whole burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.”
Genesis 22:2
God let the suffering old man go through with it up to the point where He knew there would be no retreat. Then, He forbade him to lay a hand upon the boy. In effect, He said, “It’s all right, Abraham. I never intended you actually kill Isaac. I only wanted to remove him from the temple of your heart that I might be your first love.”
You see, that’s the strangest secret of how simple life is. Make God first in your heart, make your relationship with him most important and then all your other relationships will follow. They will be healthy and you will have a healthy perspective and balance in life.
So how do you do that?
I used to think it meant going to church and spending all this time “doing things” for God. I thought God was noticing, and it counted towards my “credit line” with him. Now I realize God cares less about the quantity of time spent with him than he does the quality of time. He cares more about the inward investment of time with him and less about the outward acts others notice.
More time with God does not mean sacrificing time with other loved ones. In fact, quality time with God enhances the quality of time and relationship with others. Making him my first love enables me to love others more.
Recalibrate your heart. In the morning and evening every day, schedule a one-on-one meeting with God. Do a spiritual inventory. Look for anything standing between you and Him and talk with Him about it. Deal with the junk from your day. It will clear your conscience.
If you form those habits, then you’ll move the dial daily to a happier, more enjoyable life. You’ll get to know God a little better each day.
That’s all He really wants.
MindWolves 