Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 (NIV)
Recently I was reflecting on the fact that many of us are guilty
of being casual and nonchalant in our efforts to achieve the things that we
desire. We put out minimum efforts, expecting maximum results and then give up
when things don’t turn out the way we had expected. Then instead of accepting
that we are at fault, we seek a scapegoat, someone to blame. Until we accept
responsibility and make it our duty to do what we are supposed to do, our
dreams and visions will never materialize.
As it is in the natural, so it is in the spiritual. We may desire to develop a deeper and more
meaningful relationship with the Father but are unwilling to make the sacrifice
that is required. The things we desire
will not come by simply thinking about them or wishing for them. As the old
saying goes they will not come by osmosis. They require deliberate, consistent and
sustained effort. Alex Ihama, in his book Welcome To Greatness, opines
that in most cases, it is not that we do not know what we want, but the problem
lies in the fact that we do not make enough effort to begin the process.
So, it is not enough to want a closer walk with God. Having made
the decision, it is time to put in the work. Don’t settle for mere crumbs. Dig deep in
order to unearth the hidden treasure which cannot be seen with the naked eye.
According to Proverbs 25:2, It is the glory of God to
conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings. In order to discover the deep things of God, you
must be prepared to search relentlessly. Leave no stone unturned in your hunger
and thirst after God. It is only those
who hunger and thirst after Him who will be filled. Love and serve Him with without
restriction or reservation, with all your heart, soul and strength. You can be confident that once you have done your
part, He will do the rest. In your quest
for God, go hard, go for broke. Rich treasures await you.
Reflection
What are the things that prevent me from having a closer walk
with God?
How do I develop this closer walk that I desire?
Prayer
Father, forgive us for taking our walk with you lightly. Give us
the desire and the discipline to pursue a closer walk with you. Help us to
remove all distractions and focus on you, the author and the finisher of our
faith. Amen.