Expectant Learning

Church is not something to be checked of your to-do list. I recently heard a man say that he wished our congregational prayers were shorter and we could just "get on with it." I wondered, Get on with what? Another man said happily as he left one Sunday, "OK, back to the real world." If Jesus Christ is the way, the reality, and the life (John 14:6) then what real world was my brother referring to?

Let us recognize the shallowness of our spiritual lives. Richard Foster's words for us are prophetic: "Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."

The problems we face today in our families and our country can only be met by greater spiritual depth -- we must be larger and cleaner conduits for the love of God. I find myself too satisfied with little sprinkles of God's love when what is needed is a life-giving downpour. Let's ask the Lord of our hearts to pour out enough love so that every aquifer is replenished and the subsoil moisture is ideal for growing the harvest.

Americans are steeped in a powerful consumer-oriented culture. A consumer orientation in the church is not consistent with the mind of Christ. The purpose of our gatherings is not to make us feel good or comfortable, but to glorify the Lord of the Universe. We worship our holy God (Ex 20:3), we experience the fellowship of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 13:14), use our gifts and talents to help others (1 Pe 4:10), and receive instruction and training that we might serve effectively in the Lord's kingdom (Gal 5:13-14). You are here for service, friend. "It's not about you. It's not about me, either. It's about Jesus." These things are true for everyone, including children and youth in our fellowship, not just some of the adults who are “into” it.

Perhaps you have been nodding with agreement as you've read this. Very good. Now what will you do differently -- today, for it is the only day you have -- to be more satisfied in Christ and God-saturated?

Here is my challenge for you: Become an expectant learner. Come to every meeting with believers and to each time in the Word with an attitude that God will give you the precise nugget of truth you need to share with another—perhaps your children, or your neighbor, or a coworker. So pray beforehand, like this: “Lord, I am confident you will teach me. Help me get it.” Listen expectantly. When that nugget of truth comes, or insight into God’s glory, write it down! Then prayerfully watch for opportunities to use what the Lord has taught you. This is a grand adventure, friends!

May our gracious God saturate all our lives with His Word and His Presence, for the glory of Jesus Christ, our ever-living Lord, Savior, Master, Teacher, and Friend. Amen!