My cat has become more demanding as he ages. As a kitty his schedule was flexible — dinner time was when I could get around to feeding him, he tolerated the dog’s antics, and desires were communicated more like request. Lately things have changed, if it is the middle of the night and he needs to go outside he will make his desires known until demands are met. If he is hungry, he will stalk you until fed. And if a door is closed and he would like to be on the other side, he will claw and meow until he gets his way. While complaining about these annoying characteristics, I stopped and wondered if I do the same thing to God.
When I was a new Christian my sole desire was to live the will of God. Where ever you want to send me Lord, I will go! As I grow in my Christian faith I wonder if I have become too complacent. Do I, like my cat, become more demanding with my desires? Do I give or serve the Lord with the attitude that I will get something in return? Similar to the way my cat lets me scratch him — with hopes it will lead to getting fed.
Would you give the Lord life service if you knew you would not receive anything in return except salvation? No blessings, except eternal life.
Is your foundation about enjoying God’s blessings and experiencing God’s favor so you can have your best life now? Or is your treasure the glory of God itself?
No where does God say that we should not be happy; what God condemns is peoples desire to find happiness in other things. What we value the most is what we will find the greatest delight in. John Piper said it best, “Pleasure is where our treasure is.”
Am I like my cat and find my pleasure in things I demand and blessings received? Or does my heart’s desire lie in seeking the pleasures of God more then wealth, recognition, or blessings received?
“You show me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy,
in Your right hand are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11
Gee Lori, you hit me right between the eyes today! Maybe I needed that. What an interesting comparison between your demanding cat and us with the Lord.
I really am so grateful for my salvation and knowing that my eternity is secure. But how often do I allow things of this world and the demands of daily life disrupt the peace that brings. I don’t want to allow stuff to get in the way of enjoying the Lord, no matter where I live or my circumstances.
Thank you for a great reminder Lori, my good friend. Hugs to you!
I am the queen of “Do I have to do THAT Lord?” yet each time I submit to God’s whisperings and methods for my moment by moment life I am consumed with awe in how His ways fill me…..despite me. It really is ridiculous of me to think that I would know best for me, well, when God is God….but I still do….thank you for the reminder!
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Very thought-provoking post, Lori. I am going through a period of surrender right now and it’s nice. I’ve been resistant in the past, really hesitant, which shows a lack of faith, but thankfully that’s grown.
Time for some more self-evaluation to make sure I’m living God’s desires for me and not my own. Great post!
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I think you’ve really given me something to think about here, Lori. I think you are so right about find our happiness in the Lord and not in other things of the world. I need to think and pray on this some. Thanks!
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No offense to feline lovers, but being able to see myself in a cat is all the motivation I need to straighten up..:)) (I’m not a great fan for all the reasons you just noted…sorry…lol…i’m glad God is tho!
)))
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Oh girl. Truly you hit the nail on the head! Squarely. This is something that will hit us all if we are truly honest…I mean—I KNOW that I like what I like…and when I like it…and how I like it…and don’t interrupt the schedule of getting it so. It’s all McDonald’s fault. They started it. “Have it your way—Have it your way—at McDonald’s”…old commercial song…still the philosophy we all tend to lean towards…can’t help it…human nature.
BUT to get to the heart of what God desires…we must get to the heart of God. Yes! EUREKA! Where, oh where, did that come from?….must have been the apple….mixed with the peanut butter….and the diet pepsi.
But that really is what the LORD is dealing with me about. Getting closer into what He is desiring to fulfill in my life…until I no longer know the difference. My desires are the same as His.
I love you girl! This is the EXACT spot I was supposed to be this morning! At your breakfast table!!!!
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A very well thought out post.
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