Jump Start # 3590
Hebrews 4:2 “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not untied by faith in those who heard it.”
Years ago, I read a book titled, “Stop dating God.” Love the title and the premise. The book was so-so. Two people dating, they like each other. They like spending time together and doing things together. There is a lot of fun being with each other. But at the end of the day, they go their separate ways. When the guy wants to hang with the boys, he just tells his girlfriend that he is busy. When she wants a weekend with the girls, it’s the same thing. Always a phone call away but no real commitment. They are just dating.
And, in many ways, that concept may define our relationship with the Lord. He’s always there. He’s just a prayer away. We like being with Him. We enjoy His company. But, when we want to do something else, we just say, “Can’t, I’m busy.” No real commitments. No real accountability. Be at worship unless there are more pressing matters. At work, just too busy to think about God. At the ballgame, not the time for God. We want a dating relationship—not too many demands and we can come and go as we want.
Such a spirit towards God dominates the religious landscape. They’ll follow God in matters that they want to. But, the moment God says something they don’t like, they ignore it as if He never said it.
Dating God—close, but not too close. Always nearby to enjoy His company, but no promises and no commitments. Just a dating relationship. Love to be with Him, but don’t want to be smothered by Him. Still want the freedom to come and go as one pleases. Want the liberty to be able to do what I want to do.
Just dating God…
First, this is not the way God describes His relationship with Him. Nor, is this the way that God treats us. Dating has a purpose and in time it leads to the next level of a relationship, which is marriage. To be dating for decades and decades is not good in earthly relationships and terrible spiritually with God. All in, is the best way to describe what God wants. No longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, the apostle told the Galatians. The Ephesians were told to have the word of God richly dwelling within them. Walking by faith and not by sight and seeking first the kingdom as our Lord presented it, are concepts far beyond the casualness of dating.
Second, the dating God syndrome results in a very weak and very selfish faith. We want the preacher and his Bible when mama dies. But, a week later, those same people don’t have a need for the Bible nor that preacher. The ole’ expression, “I’ll be there, Lord willing and the creek doesn’t rise,” has two possible meanings. First, if it is intended to be a creek with water, then get a boat. I’ll be there. Second, others have said it refers to the Creek Indians. If they were rising up and one couldn’t travel, then do your best and keep God in the forefront.
Having God nearby, but not too close, allows us to call the terms and is very selfish. It makes one wonder, who is God, the Lord or us?
Third, dating God is not enough to really change your life. You go to church. You know a few things. Just enough guilt to go, but not enough faith to change. Such results in shallow and empty lives. God doesn’t make a real impact upon such a person. They are likely to act like the world, talk like the world, be entertained by the world and die like the world, because God has never been much of their lives.
And, the best part of that book was the title: Stop Dating God. Time to get serious. Time to know Him. Time to be devoted to Him. All in with the Lord. The Devil can fool us into thinking we are doing right, when we are nothing more than just keeping God at arm’s length. Get God off of speed dial and put Him in your heart and in your life. Your words, your choices, your friends, your attitudes will all reflect a righteous life when God becomes the center of your life.
Jesus said that he who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy. God must be first. God must be the center.
Stop Dating and become committed to God.
Roger