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!

This pleases me

I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Solomon was known to be one of the wisest men alive, yet he made decision after decision to follow every whim and fancy of his heart, all in the name of looking for 'meaning' in life. Many times, we go through life looking for 'meaning', but it is in the pursuit of wealth, fame, amassed things, relationships, and even our careers. After a while, pursuit after pursuit, all seem meaningless. What gives meaning to life? Could it be that this ONE relationship we have with Christ gives the most 'meaning' to our lives - making every pursuit we undertake 'meaningful' because he has orchestrated it?

Even the pleasures of working hard at what you enjoy the most is something we are granted by the hand of God. We may think we can eat and drink, being merry all the while, but in the end even than doesn't please - unless Christ is in the midst of every moment of every day. God gives all we find to be a blessing in our lives - even the creature comforts of home, family, food, and rest. We might think we are the ones obtaining all these, providing them for ourselves, but in truth, God is the one who makes these things enjoyable to us.

Solomon's words, "Come, let's try pleasure. Let's look for the 'good things' in life," are really the words so many are saying today. Everywhere we look, people are seeking 'pleasure', but at what expense? Pleasure might be there for a moment or two, but it is soon fleeting. What really gives pleasure to a hungry and hurting soul is being brought into right relationship with our Creator, God. Just sayin!