St. Augustine wrote, “We must care for our bodies as though we were going to live forever, but we must care for our souls as if we were going to die tomorrow.” Too often believers try to simultaneously pursue the things of the world and God-at any point one or the other will prevail. While we try to balance our time and lives, we need to ask the question, “Am I growing closer towards Christ, or further away?” The question is predicated on the fact there is no middle ground or standing still. The writer of Hebrews put it plainly. “We must pay careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1. Grow towards or drift away, but you will move one way or the other.
A.W. Tozier said, “Life is a short and fevered rehearsal for a concert we cannot stay to give. Just when we appear to have attained some proficiency we are forced to lay our instruments down. There is simply not enough time to think, to become, to perform what the constitution of our natures indicate we are capable of.” Where we spend our time and energy gaining proficiency will tell if we are growing towards Jesus or away. The writer of Psalms encouraged us to seek God’s face. John the Baptist proclaimed Christ must increase while he must decrease. What does your daily life show about your direction and your hearts profession?
Regardless of when and how much you sleep, what is the first thing you think of when you awake? You won’t become more Christ-like if He’s not at the forefront of your thoughts. Do you leave the house each day without talking to Him? Treat your wife that way and see what happens. You won’t grow towards Him if you don’t desire Him in your heart. No one on Earth can measure your heart’s desire but yourself. Make sure you take the time to judge which direction your heart and actions are leading. Make sure you have a correct assessment as well.
There is a growing prevalence to the belief that good people go to heaven. Life is not an animated film about dogs but a real test of where your hearts devotion is fixed. You need to know if you are growing closer to God and not just talking a good game. Christ gave the example all believers need to remember. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers.'” Sounds like a good person with good deeds and fruit to prove it, but it didn’t get them into heaven. Were their hearts growing towards God? Is yours?
My purpose is not to confuse or confound, but to wake us up. Believing in one omnipotent, omnipresent omniscient God doesn’t do it people. “Even the demons believe that-and shudder.” James 2:19. Your life should scream what your heart believes. The CEO for Starbucks told shareholders at the company’s annual meeting in January of this year, “If you support traditional marriage we don’t want your business.” Is there any doubt about his heart? He seems like a really good guy with a really good heart, but… I’ve stopped going to Starbucks because my actions need to support my heart’s conviction. Each time I turn away from a Starbucks it helps me to know what direction my heart is growing.
God isn’t looking at your Facebook profile, your Tweets, the number of jobs you create or your attendance at church on Sunday. God judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” Hebrews 4:13. There it is; a day of reckoning, account and judgement based on our heart growing closer to Him.
Maybe you can’t answer the question about growing towards Him, so let me help. Have you been suffering for doing what is right? Not suffering because you’re trying to do too much, not sleeping enough, not eating right or haven’t exercised in forever. Children of God will suffer. “Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may share in his glory.” Romans 8:17.
The end of all things is near and that should give you a dose of fear. A little fear is a good thing and the lack of might indicate where your heart is today. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7. I’m afraid we will not grow towards Him if we don’t ask for His help. The most frightening prayer I can think of is the most worth while. “Father, change in me whatever you need to change to mold me more into the image of your Son, so that I may be pleasing to you, fulfill my purpose and inherit all that you have for me.” Now is the best time to get back on the right track.
Outwardly I am wasting away more every day, but inwardly I AM being renewed. I am consciously trying to grow towards Him because I know this body might fail tomorrow, but my soul will last forever. It takes an intentional effort and courage. Join me in the effort.