For Benefits Only?

We live in a time that is preoccupied with ‘what’s in it for me?’ I confess I find myself there as well, like ordering a meal at a restaurant, what does it include? In other words am I getting what I think I should get to be content with the meal? You might say ‘nothing wrong with that, that’s wise.’ But that mindset or way of thinking works its way into and affects our everyday living. I would dare say a lot of people look at church the same way, ‘what’s in it for me?’ It is not worth time or effort unless I benefit from it in some way. The problem with this thinking is that it places my own ego in control of my life; I begin to measure everything in life by whether or not it benefits me. I think this is the challenge we face in our relationship with God. Do we see our relationship with God in terms of what our benefits are? Or do we seek the one who gives such marvelous gifts, promises, and provision? Do we want to know our God as Father because of who He is, or primarily for what He gives?  Think about the words of the song More than Anything by Natalie Grant:

I know if you wanted to you could wave your hand

Spare me this heartache and change your plan

And I know when he said that you could take my pain away

But even if you don’t I pray
 

 

Help me want the healer more than the healing

Help me want the savior more than the saving

Help me want the giver more than the giving

Oh help me want you Jesus more than anything
 

 

You know more than anyone that my flesh is weak

And you know I’d give anything for a remedy

And I’ll ask a thousand more times to set me free today

Oh but even if you don’t I pray
 

 

Help me want the healer more than the healing

Help me want the savior more than the saving

Help me want the giver more than the giving

Oh help me want you Jesus more than anything

Don’t hear me wrong, the blessings and benefits of God are wonderful, especially the salvation He gives us through Jesus Christ His Son. But if the relationship with Him has no earthly benefits will you still cling to the Father, the Holy God of all Eternity? Job had lots of benefits on this earth and it was all taken away, yet he said, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 
In this time of uncertainty with so much and with the possibility of loss in many different ways is the Father more than enough? Blessed be the name of the Lord!

^