The Word of God is clear that when we give our lives to Him, when we ask Jesus to come into our heart and be our LORD and Savior, we are saved. Salvation is secured. My eternity is no longer questionable – but predictable. I will one day end up with my God.
With that in mind, I believe many believers forget how important it is to move beyond that. To not only believe in Jesus but to invest in a relationship with Him. Like any relationship, we must be disciplined to invest if we desire to see growth and intimacy.
Intimacy with humans is great. It’s a blessing, to be sure. But intimacy with humans – regardless of how great they are can never measure up to being intimate with the Creator of the Universe. In Him you will find what can be found nowhere else. Love that is absolutely unconditional. Purpose that exceeds what we can fathom or imagine. Blessings that rain down in abundance. Provision to meet ever emotional, physical, mental and spiritual need. God’s intimacy is unlike any other because He is unlike any other.
How do I gain it? Spend time with Him. Invest in getting to know Him.
As I was thinking about this today, I noticed something simple that I believe somewhat illustrates our need to continually invest in maintenance regarding our relationship with Jesus. (This may sound goofy, but hang with me.) I happened to be looking at my toes.
I love getting pedicures. I love the way that they feel while I am getting them. I love the way my toes look when I leave. They are polished. Frankly, they look as good as they will ever look. But what happens when I allow time to pass – significant time to pass – without investing or providing maintenance to my toes? Life happens. Chips occur within the polish. Grow out occurs which no longer match with the original investment. Callouses begin to form. My feet or toes begin to look much different than what they had looked like.
But what if I had not become passive? What if I had continued to invest? If I scheduled a time to regularly provide upkeep? I promise you, the chips would not seen, but filled. The hard callouses of my feet would not be allowed to form, and thus keeping my skin soft. My toes would remain consistent in the evidence of a relationship with my nail tech. Right?
I told you it was a bit goofy, but you understand, right? If I do not continue to invest in my relationship with Jesus, I will begin to look less and less like someone who has been saved by Him. My relationship will suffer. Intimacy will not be within my grasp. Instead of walking through life’s challenges unscathed, I will end up with significant scars and damage that could have been avoided, or impacted me less had I been walking in closer proximity to my loving Father.
God is faithful to us. God wants us to also be faithful to Him.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
Blessings!