Saturday, June 8, 2013

God's Expectation

Carrying a Burden
Heard or read this phrase recently: God isn't looking for something from me right now.

As one who espouses to-do lists and performance, the quote intrigued me.

I agree, God accepts us as we are. So, in this context, we're off the hook from trying to be better or do better or clean up our own act. That's the Holy Spirit's work and as we cooperate, we grow. That's freedom.

But as a lover of God, I believe God is looking for something. He wants me to think about Him. He's the ultimate lovesick Bridegroom. When I "glance" His way (through prayer, thoughts, worship, etc.,) He is undone. (see Song of Solomon 4:9)

And I believe God watches for gratitude. And that we glorify Him.

Just penning these thoughts makes me wonder if my initial reaction of relief to that phrase above was accurate. I believe the original context was of performance-based bondage. That we don't have to perform to be accepted. True. Absolutely.

But I also believe God is looking for growth. Are we learning what He's teaching us?

This is one of those profound moments where circular reasoning can make me dizzy. What do you say? Is God looking for something from us right now? If so, what? If not, what does that mean to you? Freedom? Indifference?

Glad it's okay not to have all the answers. Either way, I know this:

to the praise of the glory of His grace, 
by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 
(Ephesians 1:6 NKJV)


Photo credit: by Stuart Miles at freedigitalphotos.net