To seek, or not to seek…
“Rehoboam did what was evil, because he did not determine in his heart to seek the LORD.” – 2 Chronicles 12:14, CSB
“rejoice in the Lord. To write to you again about this is no trouble for me and is a safeguard for you.” – Philippians 3:1, CSB
“worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh” – Philippians 3:3, CSB
“My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings…” – Philippians 3:10, CSB
Cause And Effect
‘Because’ is an important word! It speaks of implications, of cause and effect. ‘Because’ shaped Rehoboam’s life. ‘Because’ Rehoboam did not determine in his heart to seek the LORD, his heart found a different path, a path of evil action. Much evil can be easily averted as we are simply intentional about seeking God.
Strategies For Knowing God
Paul reveals three practical, tangible, heart-shaping strategies for leading our own hearts, with one over-arching goal: to know God. Before we get to those three strategies, we do have to address an important question! Is this actually our goal? Paul goes on in Philippians 3:10 to unpack a bit of what it means to know Him, and two words jump out: ‘celebration’ and ‘suffering.’ Celebration sounds great! But suffering? Hmmm. If we’re honest, this is the kind of desire that may take time to grow into. But here is how we can start.
Rejoice in the Lord. Celebrate your salvation with Him! It’s okay to enjoy Him and to enjoy what He has won for you and given for you. Learning to rejoice in our salvation and freedom actually safeguards our hearts from straying. The gospel of Jesus Christ was never meant to be boring!
Worship by the Spirit. Let God lead your heart to the majestic heights of the gospel. The Holy Spirit will open our hearts, our spiritual ‘eyes’ and ‘ears,’ and open the Scriptures to us, leading us to cry, “Abba! Father!” (See Romans 8:15.)
Boast in Jesus, not in your own efforts or righteous acts. Make Jesus the hero and the focus, and remind your heart over and over again of His victory through suffering. He is the all-powerful, resurrected King.
Think:
We can so easily make our focus be the things we should not do. But those things were never meant to be the focus. Whatever else our specific callings may be, knowing God and intentionally knowing Him more is a clear calling for every one of us. Is knowing God a clear goal for you? If so, how are you intentionally setting your heart and mind on this goal?
Which of the three strategies above are easier for you? Which are more challenging? Is there one that God is highlighting for you today that you feel a tug to intentionally incorporate more into your life of worshiping Jesus?
If you’re a part of a team, plan a time to focus on goals and victories, making Jesus the hero and focus. Stir your own heart and the morale of your team by celebrating who He is and what He has done for you and through you.
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for such practical, heart-shaping strategy with You at the center! Thank You for such a clear, God-ordained goal to which I can devote myself. I do want to know You and I want to keep knowing You more. Keep drawing me by Your Spirit into this passionate pursuit! I know that knowing You will prepare me for any and every season, including seasons of suffering or temptation.”