Shared Interests

Despite the fact that I have an ingrained and intense dislike for musicals I recently bought the DVD of ‘Les Miserables’ and suggested to my wife we should watch it together. You may well ask why I did this? Also these days I spend much of my time reading nursery rhymes and fairytales, even though I prefer something more substantial like Dostoevsky or a good missionary biography. You may ask why am I doing that? The answer is simple. I try and take an interest in the things my wife and children take an interest in - because I love them! I appreciate it when someone shows a genuine interest in the things I care about. It makes me feel loved. I then reciprocate and show an interest in whatever it is they care about - even if it happens to be musicals!

The Lord has a proven track record in demonstrating that He cares about our interests, even if they might seem insignificant to other people! He listens to and answers our prayers, even if they might seem petty at times. I’ve known God change the weather for people simply because they asked Him to, as a favour for a special day! He takes a keen interest in our personal matters. He’s an amazing Father!

Now let’s turn this around. Have you ever stopped and wondered what the one thing is that God cares about most deeply? Do you know what it is that really motivates God?
The Bible tells us in no mistaken terms what our heavenly Father is incredibly passionate about: the glory of His Holy name. He takes pleasure in seeing His name lifted up, glorified and magnified among the people of the nations. God quotes this as His number one reason for rescuing and restoring Israel. And it’s part of His motive in rescuing and restoring us as believers; so His name might be glorified. It’s a common thread running all through the Bible. The question is: how much do we care about the glory of His name?
And if we do care how can we bring this about? How can we, as mere human beings, cause His name to be glorified?

As I’ve been pondering this question, with the above scripture in mind, one thing stands out more than any other; to save a wretch like me, and gradually change me glorifies His name. This realisation gives me the chance to show to God I’m interested in the things that interest Him. It gives me the necessary stimulus to surrender parts of my life which were never yielded to Him before.

As God saves, heals, restores and sanctifies me, I may be, at times, be resistant to the work of His Spirit in my life. But when I think how much He takes an interest in me, and how much He cares for the glory of His name, it makes me really want to surrender to Him.

Prayer: I know how much You care for me and I want to thank You for that. In return, I also want to care for the glory of Your name, just as You do. Help me, to let You change me and make me holy, so that people may see that You alone are God – please, let Your name be glorified through me! Amen.