Love is the most powerful weapon in of our faith. Like the tip of an arrow love points us to God. Love commandeers all other graces to engage the Lord’s affection and His eternal concerns. When Jesus defined love as the greatest command, He gave us a glimpse into what He wants for the world and His disciples. A life motivated by love is only limited by its capacity to love the Lord. Love is a muscle we exercise so it grows in stamina and strength. Here are four ways we can develop our love for God:
Love God with Your Emotions
Jesus starts at the heart of the matter, our heart. What captures our passions? Our heart is the seat of our feelings and affections. We are drawn to what we desire, what we value. The heart follows what it treasures above all else. In the same way an engaged couple each aggressively seeks to engage the heart of their lover, so as the bride of Christ we passionately pursue His heart. As our heart loves Jesus, He simultaneously settles and stirs our emotions.
Love God with Your Soul
In the beginning God breathed life into the soul of man (see Genesis 2:7). So our soul is our entire being brought into being by the Spirit of the Lord. It is here, deep within the recesses of our spirit, that we commune with Christ. Our marriage to Jesus was consummated when, He saved our soul. Prayer is our bedchamber of intimacy for us to love our Lord with all our soul. Christ is our companion and confidant. A soul in love with God seeks God by faith.
Love God with Your Mind
A mind in love with the Lord wants to do the Lord’s will. In the same way a noble idea captures our imagination so much that it drastically influences our actions, so to know and do God’s will is the goal of those in love with Jesus. Mental romancing with the mind of Christ marks the thoughts of those who trust and obey. Knowledge of God acquired out of love starves our pride and feeds our humility.
Love God with Your Strength
Energy in eternal matters is what matters most. When our focused attention is on the important (like giving) and not the trivial (like worry) we thrive in our love for the Lord. What activity may be competing with your time with Christ? Avoid activities that create sideways energy. Our strength increases as we engage with other disciples. Like a bonfire ignited by gasoline, so the prayers and encouragement of God’s people flame our fire of faith and love for God. Being around people in love with Jesus grows our love for Jesus. So love strong.
Father I pray that each day my love for you grows stronger and stronger, as I deepen my devotion to you amen.
--
Pastor Todd A. Brown
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. Mclean Va. 22101
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"
Mission: Exalting, Evangelizing, Equipping, and Encouraging every soul in Christ
Listen to "Life Notes" & "Kingdom Impact with Pastor Brown
Mon-Fri at noon and Sundays at 9am and Wednesdays at 9pm on WBGRonline.com
www.fbcc-va.org
www.fbcc-va.org
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.