Attracting Revelation

Today's devotion had some pretty pointed and poignant things for reflection.

"Pillar truths are also called core values, the foundation statements of faith that uphold the structure of a perspective or worldview."

"If your enemy can't keep you from learning these truths, he works to make you believe that knowing ABOUT them is the goal of discipleship, not living them out from a deepening relationship with God Himself."

"Revelation comes through relationship."

"Probing your heart to see if you love God enough is always a dead end."

(from "Supernatural Power of a Transformed Mind" by Bill Johnson)

The last sentence is especially fascinating. And true to every extent. I've always wondered why it was hard for me to ask myself if I love God enough. Maybe it's because the previous times I've done that, I've always ended up feeling self-condemned, which I've discovered now that's not of God! So I don't focus on that anymore. Instead I focus on what God has to say about me. If there's anything that needs to be corrected, He will reveal, discipline and guide me through. I just need to be listening and obeying. If He's pleased with me, I just continue to trust and obey Him.

I was reflecting on John 15:21-26 and at face value, it seems as though God's love has conditions. "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me... If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." If we look at these verses literally and without context, I think it's easy to think that God's love is subject to our obedience in Him. While that can be said to carry some degree of truth, it runs counter to what I know of God's love and nature, and that is, His love is unconditional. How do we reconcile that?

I believe the point Jesus was making was that the proof of someone who loves Him is someone who will obey His commands and teaching. Essentially, it is quite natural to obey someone when you love them. Quite different from the first perspective. He almost seems to be describing how you would spot someone who loves God. This ties back to understanding that love is a choice and commitment - not just an emotion and words - but always through actions.

Furthermore, we love not because we can, but because we accept love from God in the first place. Our wicked hearts are scarcely capable of love on their own, but when captivated by God's love, we begin to be able to reflect that back to God and the people He loves.

Therefore obedience to His commands is deeply tied to us loving God. And obedience comes from relationship. And revelation comes through relationship. Wow! It's all connected. I can't just know ABOUT God and that He can do wonders and miracles. I need to KNOW the God of miracles through an ongoing and deepening relationship with Him.

Every revelation He gives can be through an act of obedience on mine. And every step of obedience acts as a foundation for further revelation. And all this comes through love. His love for me, firstly, and then my response of love back to Him. (Thank you Father...)

So loving God is important and we all know that. But living and walking that out is another thing. I hardly doubt my sincerity in wanting to love God, but doing it is a whole new ballgame. That's why John 14:26 is remarkable. After all is said about obeying God's commands, Jesus reveals,

"But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

We can try all we want to love God, but by our strength we're just going to feel like failures. The grace and love of God is so amazing - He gives us a Teacher to show us how to love and obey God. And better still, He will REMIND us of everything God has said... probably because God knows we are people who have a tendency to forget the most important things.

So, what a relief. Such freedom.

God loves us, and therefore we can love Him back. In our desire to love Him back, we obey His commands. Our obedience and trust attracts revelation from Him, which makes us even more hungry for Him. And in the midst of all this, the Holy Spirit teaches us how to love God, and reminds us when we forget His words and lose our way. In all angles, I see that we simply can't lose when we set our hearts to love Him. It's no longer about how much I love God, but about how much He loves me.

That to me, is one of the greatest revelations I have ever received through the Holy Spirit.