Committed, but cheating?

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

What does 'wholehearted' devotion look like? It is more than just being 'committed'. I can be 'committed' to a diet and still 'cheat' on occasion! My 'commitment' may only go so far and then I need to satisfy some craving! When God asks for a wholehearted commitment to him, it doesn't make room for 'cheating'. 

There is a sense of 'abiding' that is involved. We don't look to the right or left or behind. We focus on what is right in front of us - Christ Jesus. We 'abide' - remain and are loyal to him alone. We don't 'take leave' from our relationship for any reason. It is as though the 'attachment' we form with him is 'life-giving' and cannot be broken.

There is a 'steadiness' that comes when one is 'committed' in a wholehearted manner. There is no shallowness, but deep-rooted connection. Those deep roots actually lend a much-needed stability to our lives that makes it easier to endure even the toughest of trials without wavering in our attentiveness to the relationship. 

Some have a 'cordial' relationship with Jesus. They know him, have likely even asked him to forgive their sins, but they really haven't determined to follow him with any intensity or integrity. They are 'casual' Christians - something that is much like the 'lukewarm' church goer. They attest to faith, but their lives are not centered on Christ at all.

God's promise to those who make a 'wholehearted' commitment to follow him is that they will find him. As a matter of fact, they have fellowship with him, so the 'finding' is really not a 'physical' thing as much as it is a heart thing. Their emotions, mind, will - all of their inner being is connected to him in a living, vital relationship. They have a passionate steadfastness in their walk that reveals the depth of their connection with him. Are you in such a relationship? Just askin!