Why We Do What We Do

I often ask myself why I do those things I know God could not be pleased with. I ask myself but know the answer. It's plain and simple - I don't have a strong enough relationship with God to arm myself against the evils of this world. The times I fail are the times I've drifted from God. I pray, but I'm not devoted. I serve, but I'm not devoted. I study God's Word, but I'm not devoted. I care about the souls of others, but I'm not devoted. Without devotion, I sin. Why is having a dedicated relationship with God so hard? I know the answer to this question too. Again, it's plain and simple - my commitment to other things or people is somehow more important than spending quality time with my Savior, the very One who formed me and gave me life.

It's easy for us to spend more time and energy on those things that please us. When these pleasures are not being satisfied, it's easy to lose focus on what's important - maintaining a close bond. Many if not most long-distance human relationships don't last because they've lost a precious element - quality time. This element is so important for me and my fiancé. Without quality time, I know we would drift apart, and that's scary to think about. But what should scare me the most is my failed attempt to draw closer to God. My relationship with Him should be the most important to me now and forever. How am I to follow any divine leading in my life without talking to God, without asking for direction, without reaching for that fatherly hand to hold onto when life throws me thorns? It's impossible unless I'm willing to take the time to devote myself to the One who so desperately wants a renewed fellowship.

God is powerful, and He is the One and Only. That reality should be cause enough for us to fall at His feet and obey. Stormie Omartian encourages to read and consider Leviticus 10:1-7. In this passage, the sons of Aaron (the brother of Moses), Nadab and Abihu, are physically consumed by fire from God because they carried out an act they knew would be willfully disobedient. Not spending time with God is willful disobedience. My prayer is that God will forgive me for my carelessness and give me a strong passion for His teachings.