Because of Him

This quote from Dan DeHaan’s book, The God You Can Know, is likely to draw the religious fibers in your body creeping up and oozing out of every pore you have. What an interesting few lines to read and yet what a challenge to truly grasp. Check this out:

Scripture emphasizes that we must find our security in God before we seek it in an activity for God. Many today find their joy and security in what they do for God rather than in what they are to God.

Have you ever tried to weigh in the balance what you do for God versus what you do because of God? Overwhelming to walk that tight rope. To not keep a tally of all our good little Christian acts of kindness. Not to achieve an end and throw a hand up in the air exclaiming, “Amen and glory to God! Just look at all I do for Jesus!” To embrace His instruction and steps of obedience, while expecting nothing in return. No profit, no accolades, no acquiring of position or friendships. Just doing things because He is, and being completely void of who we are.

Religion vs relationship.

Relationship. When drawn with pure affection, devotion for Christ drives acts of expression and love that no doubt will produce results in this life. Still these accomplishments on earthen soil are merely secondary; it’s the activity in heaven that I long to embrace. The response of my Savior, when He knows I have acted purely out of love and devotion for Him alone.  To place a smile on His face and to feel His pleasure envelope me. Having His divine romance transform me from the inside out. Every prick of His Holy Spirit firing through me like newly created nerve endings. Finding what it means in to be in Him, not just working for Him.

I have a long way to go in order to rid myself of fleshly motive. I understand the frailty of my human soul. Still I want it more than anything. I so very much want my life, and the things I set my hands to do, to cry, ”I am who I am not for what I do, I am who I am because He lives! He lives in me.”

Doing things because of Him, not for Him.  Finding my delight solely in the person and presence of Jesus Christ.  Relationship and not religion. This makes all the difference to me.

We are what we worship. It is God’s life that we want, not human life trying to be godly. Dan DeHaan