We live in a world that functions quite logically. We know that cause and effect relationships follow logical patterns. In addition, our brains have been trained to be able to infer certain conclusions and behavior patterns by using the logical minds that God has given us.
For example, if someone turns on the air conditioner in their home it is logical to assume that they are feeling either warm or hot. If you miss the nail you are trying to hammer and smash your finger instead, it is only logical to conclude that pain is going to follow. Finally, if you just found out that your best friend has cancer, great sorrow will probably overtake you.
As Christians we also soon begin to realize that there are very logical cause and effect relationships between our attitudes and actions and how God responds to them. We know that when we sin against God we lose our joy. Experience shows us that when we give to those in need God will always bless us. And praise be to God, we know for certain that when we sin and confess and repent, in sincerity to God, He forgives us!
As we strive for a more intimate relationship with God, it is only logical that the closer we desire to know Him, the more distance we must put between our old nature and the world. Before we came to know the Lord we walked in spiritual darkness. And the Scriptures clearly declare that God is light and can have no fellowship with those walking in darkness. But the moment we became born again, we began to walk in the light and have fellowship with our heavenly Father.
Everybody knows that lightbulbs come in different wattages. We know that a 200 watt bulb shines much brighter than a 20 watt bulb. A similar parallel exists in the spiritual realm. The closer we desire to draw near to God the more light we need to walk in.
Most Christians certainly want to draw closer to God but not all realize that we control just how close we can draw. We, not our circumstances, control our spiritual destiny. Our desire, not our talents or abilities, dictate our nearness level to God. Finally, our obedience to God’s word, not our knowledge of it, will release God’s rich storehouse of blessings into our lives.
Therefore, the only logical conclusion, when it comes to just how deep our walk with the Lord will be is this: While our salvation is by grace alone, the level of blessings and the intimacy we experience with God is totally dependent on our level of obedience to His Word.
In tomorrow’s, part II of this devotion, we will delve deeper into how to walk more intimately with the Lord.