Our love for God should drive us to action- to serve with all we have. Just like any other goal we may set for ourselves in life, maintaining an active love for God will not happen by chance. It requires intention.
MARK 12:30
PROVERBS 29:18
Without intentional action toward a specific goal, there is no purpose. It's like playing basketball without a hoop!
God wants us to be purposeful in our goal of active love toward Him, and He wants us to DECLARE that love! When you set your intention toward the goal of marriage, there will ultimately be a pledge, vow, or declaration of your love toward your partner. God wants the same!
ROMANS 10:9
When you love someone, you think of them first. How is it with your love toward God?
DISCUSSION:
What are some very valid and realistic things that can stop us or distract us from loving God with our whole heart?
-every day trials of life
-our families and responsibilities
-our personal goals
-wanting to excel at our jobs
When we come to God, He gives us a fire to serve Him- it's our job to keep that fire burning. When God asked Moses to build the tabernacle, God himself sent holy fire down. They had to tend to that fire and ensure it was always burning. How is the fire in your heart toward the things of God?
LEVITICUS 6:12-13
LEVITICUS 10:1
These priests offered "strange fire"- they tried to replace God's fire with something of their own. It was not what God intended to burn in His tabernacle, and He was not pleased with it.
Is there a fire consuming your heart and your thoughts that is driving you toward something other than God?
To serve God with your whole heart this year, there must be a vision and a declaration to not be distracted by a fire other than the one that came straight from God. Share that vision with your trusted friend, your partner, your family- DECLARE it!
