"Membership in the family of God is neither inconsequential or something to be casually ignored. The church is God's agenda for the world. Jesus said, "I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it." The church is indestructable and will exist for eternity. It will outlive this universe, and so will your role in it."
- Rick Warren
Monday, October 27, 2008
In a previous post, I ask myself:
"What is enough for you really? What is enough for you to rejoice? Is God really enough for you, even if you had nothing else...really?"
Even if our nation were taken over by a totalitarian dictator?
Even if I were exiled to live in an Muslim country?
Even if my home were destroyed and I lost everything?
Even if my family were killed?
Would God be enough for me to sing a praise song like any of the above?
And the answer convicts me...for a different reason than I expected.
The answer is "Yes!"
If I lost my country, my home, my family and life as I know it, God would be enough...because he would have to be. He would be enough because I had nothing else. (Having lost all of my earthly possessions once in a robbery/fire, I speak with some authority on this subject. That was a time when I learned a little better what "dependence on God" really meant.)
Israel had to lose everything in order to quit turning on idols. (They never had a problem with idolatry again after the exile.)
With that realization, what's really scary to me about that question now is that I have to rephrase it:
"Is God himself enough for me really? Even when I have everything else?"
Even when the guy I like is President?
Even when I live in the greatest nation on earth?
Even when I live in a beautiful home with a nice yard?
Even when I have a great wife and 4 perfect children?
Even when I don't worry where my next meal will come from?
Even when I have all the entertainment and diversion I need?
Is God still enough? Is he really all I need?
Am I living like He is, right now when I have so much?
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Comments on "Jesus asked, "Do You Love Me More Than These?"":
5. Robin
- 10/28/2008 11:22 am CDT
I find it harder to love and follow God when things are going great in my life. Maybe it's just my temperament, but I have to struggle to focus on what matters when there are so many other things that compete for my attention. There's also this attitude of trying to protect and ensure that the good times will last that becomes an obsession on my part.
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I don't think any of us knows until we are actually facing the loss of whatever earthly thing (or person) is most precious to us. If God is enough for you then, you know.
Yeah.