Being a Christian is hard. It is uncomfortable, uncompromising, inconvenient, challenging, tough, and involves self-evaluation and sacrifice on a deeper level than you could have anticipated. But it is worth it. It is the best and most worthwhile decision you will ever make. And once you’ve made the decision seeking God’s heart becomes an intoxicating, captivating process. It’s exhilarating and intense but it’s not always easy. It can involve risking everything- reputation, possessions, relationships but having a heart like Gods is pure unimaginable joy.
The challenge to seek God’s heart and what that means in our daily actions comes as something of a constant challenge. It can come in many guises- feeling convicted to speak to someone who might be a complete stranger, swallowing some pride and telling someone of the miracle of salvation or how God has worked in and changed your life. It could be taking the opportunity to tell some work colleagues about what God is doing in your life or it could be creating opportunities to invite friends to church. But while this may be in the back of our minds as Christians how many of us are willing to go out of our way to seek God’s heart when it’s most inconvenient?
So often in so many areas of our lives we seek and surround ourselves with the comfortable. We do not value change we fear and loathe it. We do not often value light shed on things we happily keep in the dark. But as Christians we must accept that we follow a God that is light and who will banish all darkness. So whatever it is we fear and keep secret is exposed that we may have not only abundant life but true freedom. With this freedom comes responsibility though, obligation you might even argue. See becoming a Christian is kinda like falling in love or discovering something amazing. Something so amazing you can’t help but smile about it and you want to tell the world about it. It becomes urgent and pressing. Or, at least it does initially.
Sooner or later though, like with anything else, you become familiar. It feels less amazing and more normal. But it is that sense of complacency that we must fight against if we are to keep seeking to have a heart like God’s. God doesn’t want us to ever get tired of the miracle of salvation, or feel bored with the amazing love, grace and mercy he has shown us. Ultimately the fact of the matter is if we want a heart like God’s the desire to share his love must remain as urgent and pressing in our hearts and minds as it ever was. Our testimonies must be on the tip of our tongues. We must try to be relentless and unstoppable in this, our mission. And I’m not just talking about incessantly handing out leaflets or standing on a soapbox on a busy Saturday I mean in our everyday interactions- our examples to friends, colleagues, shop assistants, waiters - everyone! Also, though, in our ability and willingness to step outside our comfort zone with new initiatives- creative ways of getting our point across.
This is not about ramming our beliefs down people’s throats or pushing a theological point. It’s about sharing what we know to be the saving grace of God, giving people the option to see and experience it for themselves. The choice will always be theirs. But the decision to share your faith is not. Will you take newer, bolder steps, or stay right where you are? And how much, therefore, do you really want a heart like God’s?
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