How to Express Your Love for God
I recently observed an unrestrained public display of
affection by a couple who had just fallen in love. They were quite
demonstrative, leaning on each other, fawning over each other and frequently
kissing each other. It made some onlookers feel uncomfortable.
In the same gathering I noticed a couple who had been married
for over 45 years. They smiled understandably at the younger couple. Maybe
the P.D.A. rekindled some past memories. The older couple wasn’t touching
and showed little outward affection between them. Yet no one questioned
their love for each other. They had been faithful to one another for four
decades and were devoted to serving each other.
Stages of love
Famed radio commentator Paul Harvey once pointed out that
love usually goes through three stages. First there is romance when the
couple wants to be together 24 hours a day and can’t keep their hands off each
other.
As wonderful as it is, romance always fades and gives way to
the second stage, which is tolerance. Each learns the other has faults,
the excitement dwindles and infatuation wears off. The couple sits in awkward
silence when traveling and learns to put up with each other.
Later, mature love sets in, or love in the third
degree. Mutual experiences bond the couple together and they remain
committed to one another for a long time. They have learned what it means for
the two to become one.
While still alive, Harvey pointed out that one of the
problems of our shallow society is that people in the tolerance stage think
that because romance has faded, their love is over. So they jump the fence
and try to rediscover romance. In reality, they go back to the beginning
of the cycle and delay ultimate fulfillment. Mature people know that
romance, while an exciting phase, is just the beginning.
Expressive worship
I went to a very expressive worship service
recently. Young people clapped their hands, closed their eyes, raised
their hands, and at times jumped up and down to exciting music. They
declared their love for God, an enjoyable thing to witness. However, it made
some older Christian observers uncomfortable.
It seems to me there are two wrong reactions to emotional,
demonstrative worship. One is to be condescending and say, “That’s
phony! God can’t be pleased with that; it’s not done decently and in
order.” However, romance is a wonderful stage of a developing relationship, and
we ought to rejoice with those who are falling in love with the Lord. Jesus
commended the woman so overcome with love that she washed His feet with her
tears and dried them with her hair.
Yet, while spiritual enthusiasm is refreshing, it’s wrong to
conclude that the more expressive love God more deeply than those whose worship
is restrained. Some of the most dedicated Christians I know are reserved
in the manner in which they express it. Their many years of faithful
service to Christ is ample proof of their love for the Lord.
God makes it clear in His Word that He measures our love for
Him by our obedience to His commands, not the public display of affection. For
example, John 14:23-24: “Jesus replied, ‘If anyone loves me, he will obey my
teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our
home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.’”
Reflecting on relationships
Samuel told King Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1
Samuel 15:22). Jesus said simply, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John
14:15). That leaves us with simple questions: Do you put Christ first? Do
you sacrifice for the needy? Do you guard your speech? Do you worship
regularly? Are you faithful to your mate?
One preacher told an excited audience, “I don’t care how loud
you shout or how high you jump as long as when you land, you walk straight.”
That is good counsel. Mature love for God is not just an
emotional expression but what Eugene Peterson calls “a long obedience in the
same direction.” Pastors, remind your people that inward obedience is better
than outward shows.
At just twenty-two years of age, Bob became the pastor of
Southeast Christian Church. That small congregation of 120 members became one
of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four
worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob
Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches & conferences
throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor
other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Visit
Bob at http://www.bobrussell.org/
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