You might wonder why I wrote this devotional.
I'll be honest. Over the past year, I've encountered several people who are simply not in the same place spiritually that they were just a couple of years ago. Their choices reflect it. The words they speak and the stories they tell reflect it. The absence of church and Christian fellowship in their lives reflects it. Even some of the worldly habits they left behind after coming to Christ have quietly crept back in.
Am I judging them? Not at all.
In fact, it has burdened my heart to pray for them because I love them dearly. Before I would ever speak a word of encouragement, I want to spend time asking God to open the eyes of their understanding and draw them back into close fellowship with Himself. I know that prayer can accomplish what difficult discussions often don't. It's far better that they hear from God and me or anyone else. But, if the Lord ever leads me to speak to one of them, I pray it will be as a loving brother, not a critic or their judge, but someone who simply wants God's very best for their life.
But perhaps before we think about anyone else, we should examine our own hearts.
Every now and then, every believer should stop and do a spiritual self-check.
Am I closer to Jesus today than I was a year ago?
Do I hunger for God's Word?
Do I long to pray?
Do I desire fellowship with other believers?
Do I look forward to worship?
Am I becoming more like Christ, or more comfortable with the actions and sins of the world?
Do I think often about eternity and the rewards Christ has promised those who faithfully serve Him, or have I become consumed with only the things of this life?
Am I living today with eternity in view, longing to hear Jesus say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant,' or have I become so attached to this world that heaven rarely enters my thoughts?
If the Holy Spirit gently puts His finger on an area of your life today, don't resist Him. Respond to Him. The Father has never stopped loving you, and He delights in restoring every child who turns back toward Him.
Today would be a wonderful day to draw close to Him again.
"Come near to God and He will come near to you." — James 4:8 (NIV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to pursue me even when my heart begins to drift. Search me and reveal anything that has pulled my affection away from You. Restore the joy of my salvation, renew my passion for Your Word, deepen my desire for prayer and worship, and rekindle my love for Your church and Your people. Help me to live each day with eternity in view, longing to hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' And if I have wandered in any way, thank You that Your arms are always open to receive me back into close fellowship with You. Draw me nearer to Jesus than I have ever been before, and let my life bring honor and glory to Your name. In Jesus' precious name, amen.
