The Purpose of Life
Portraits of Christ is a series of online interactive Bible studies which explore the person & character of Jesus Christ. Try them today!
Please open your Bible and read John 17:1 – 3.
Believers do a lot of wonderful things in the name of God. Sometimes, though, service becomes more important than the Master. Hosea 6:6 makes the Lord’s priorities clear: “For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” He wants our attention more than any gifts or works.
Unfortunately, too many Christians never press beyond an occasional good work or Bible reading. They ignore the Holy Spirit’s nudges to spend time in prayer and Scripture meditation. It’s either too much work or doesn?t fit their lifestyle. Also, they tend to worship out of a sense of duty. Does this sound like your life? If so, you should know that becoming intimately acquainted with God does require time and commitment. But it is immensely rewarding.
Human beings are created to know God. He instilled in us a thirst that will not be satisfied until we reach out to Him for companionship and love. Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8 (NAS), “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
We were created to have an intimate, loving relationship with the Lord and to bring Him glory. Paying respect with our gifts and good works is a natural extension of that design. But our primary responsibility is to spend time with Him.
Question: Have you been spending quiet time alone with God lately? Is that something you should make time for this week?
About the Author: Charles Stanley
Tags: Charles Stanley, Devotional, gifts, God, Men, prayer, relationship, spiritual growth, works
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This is very true… many people do not take the time out of their days to worship or spend time with God. This is important in our growth and development with him. God does not say, love me on Sundays only or on Wednesday mass but all the time until your time on Earth expires.