Our lives often seem to be in a fog or haze. It's hard to make sense of what's going on, or to see much more than what is close by. Even in our Christian lives it's so easy to lose sight of the big picture as we succumb to the slavery of the small details of life. What even is the big picture?
My reformed tradition summarizes--in the Westminster Confession of Faith--the 'chief end of man' is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. That always seemed like a strange word to use. We are supposed to enjoy God? Maybe serve, pray to, or imitate, sure, but enjoy? Really?
Well, yes.
Christians can easily fall into the trap of serving God without enjoying God. I do. The Christian challenge to grow in faith and holiness, when approached in the wrong way, can become a burden that steals away joy rather than giving more joy (as it's supposed to do). Even though we grow as God's servants, we never lose our place as his beloved children.
Does your service to God often come before your relationship with God?
For those who have ceased to enjoy God (in prayer, worship, or service), God is calling us back. He's calling us to remember that abundant and unconditional love that drew us to him in the first place. Even as God calls us to serve him he calls us ever more to enjoy him. This is fundamental.
1Ti 6:17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
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