get to or have to

No one likes to be loved or even liked out of obligation.

 

Whether it be as a boss, or a parent, or even God - no one likes people that are around them to love them out of a sense of duty.

 

It kind of seems disingenuous, even though that person might do so unintentionally.

 

So many times we can find ourselves coming to a Sunday morning service - but our hearts aren't in it.  Or serving in a ministry - and we privately desire to be somewhere else - doing something else - anything else but what we are doing.

 

When anything we do for God (especially our worship of Him) becomes a "have to" instead of a "get to" we need to do a spiritual intimacy check in our spirits.

 

Have you seen the commercial about the younger guy who is struggling with whether or not to go through with an arranged marriage?  Back in his country of origin, arranged marriages are the norm.

 

But because he has been living in America for so long, he is having second thoughts about following this ancient custom, especially since he has never met his wife to be.

 

He decided to go ahead with the custom of his homeland and dutifully waited at the airport for her, flowers in hand, and a gloomy expression on his face.

 

But......but when she stepped through the terminal, everything all of a sudden, bam, changes.

 

She is beautiful!  Gorgeous!

 

Suddenly his glum demeanor disappears and replaced with a sense of sheer joy!  The thought of marrying this beautiful girl is not longer a dreaded duty but a delight. 

 

What had changed?  Seeing her.

 

So - here's what I offer you today. 

 

What can change your relationship with God from a duty to a delight?  Seeing Him.  Getting a fresh new vision of who God really is, refocusing (our word of the year) on His great love for us.  Experiencing His glory.

 

And when you do - you will be transformed.

 

Just a thought for a Tuesday.