In our devotional reading time together, Kris and I read Henry Blackaby. He wrote, “It is a subtle temptation to prefer the book to the Author.” He was speaking about the danger of replacing our love for God, with a love for the Word. In thinking on that a bit, I would add it is a subtle temptation to love the creation over the Creator. It is a subtle temptation to enjoy the “blessing” more than the One who blesses. The distinction is subtle, but profound.
How do we know, if we love the God who speaks, creates and blesses? Or, if we’ve replaced Him? It seems that the test is in our response. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words (John 14:23-24).”
Does God’s Word move you to act by following the One who spoke it? Does creation cause you to praise the One who made it? Do your many blessings motivate you to thank the One who gave them? If these things evoke a deeper awareness of the presence of God and to live in response to his presence, they are in the right place.
Why would we make this subtle shift to replace God? It’s easier to live with God’s stuff than to live with God himself. While not easy, the joy, power, freedom and fellowship in his presence are real.
Enjoy him, know him, pursue him. He is irreplaceable