Christ Is God’s Greatest Gift
Much of the time, we don’t place top priority on seeking the Lord unless we are going through difficult times (Hos 5:15, YLT). We hear an inner voice which bids us to seek him but we either ignore it completely or are slow to respond. Yet, we should seek Him fervently – and do so at all times (Ps 105:4, Rotherham). Christ is God’s greatest gift to us because it is through faith in Christ’s guilt-eliminating sacrifice for our sins that we can enjoy the greatest good possible: being accepted by and having a relationship with God. Knowing the Lord better should be what is most important to us (Lk 12:31, CW).
The greatest gift we can ever have is intimacy with the Creator, Sustainer, and Governor of all that ever was, is, or shall be – the One who is our Father, Friend, and Guide. Yet, what other benefits result from our seeking Him with all our heart? (1) We are happy (Ps 119:2, Harrison). (2) We are blessed (Ps 119:2, Message). (3) He gives us rest (2 Chron 15:15, KJV). (4) He sends what we need (Hos 10:12, NEB). (5) He doesn’t fail us (Ps 9:10, Septuagint). (6) We become useful rather than useless (Rom 3:12, CLNT). Hence it is SO worth it to seek the Lord with all our heart. He is worth the effort. To not put Him first is to put something else first. That is idolatry.
Why, then, does the Lord want us to seek Him? Ultimately, He wants us to be close to Him. God’s purpose in creating and saving us is that we would glorify Him by enjoying Him forever. He is the Supreme Good. This means we must draw near to Him (Jas 4:8).
When God wants a couple or family to alter course, the revelation is normally clear.