Why do we love God?

I was thinking about this on the way to work this morning. Why do we love Him? Is it because we're supposed to, because we feel we have an obligation to love Him? That would explain the lack of joy in most Christians. It would explain why we get so busy "serving" that we don't take the time to sit at His feet and simply enjoy Him. Or do we say we love Him because He did so much for us? That's great for a new Christian, and it's even something we should continue as we grow closer to Him. But should it continue to be the main reason we love Him? That would explain all the disgruntled believers who think they deserve better than what they have. It would explain the discontent with what God has given them, and the self-centeredness so often present within the church.

But really, shouldn't we love Him simply because of who He is? Of course all that He is really is all He is for us. So in a way, we would still be loving Him for what He does for us. But it wouldn't be quite as selfish an emotion. If we loved Him for who He is, we would spend our time meditating on Him, not on our own lusts. We would be looking to Him, the author and finisher of our faith, rather than putting our own desires first. If we truly loved Him as we ought to, there would be no problems trying to "do devotions" or finding time to witness or being willing to serve. Churches would be more unified, believers would be more content, and the world would see why Jesus came to die on the cross. Have you ever thought that the reason you love God could make a difference in the world -- an eternal difference? That it could be what makes or breaks your testimony with the unsaved?

That's a heavy responsibility. May God grant that each of us would take it seriously -- and that we would love Him as we ought.

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