About 3 years ago, a friend asked me what one word best describes my relationship with God. Without hesitation, I responded with, "Responsibility". As soon as I said the word I desperately wanted to take it back. Responsibility? One word that best describes my relationship with my creator, the person that loves me more than I can imagine, and the word that comes to mind is responsibility?
Not even realizing the depth of my answer, my friend asked me to think about how it would make my wife feel if I used the same word, responsibility, to best describe out relationship. Wow. I started to realize how warped my relationship with God had become.
Walter Bruegggerman suggests that faith on its way to maturity moves from "duty (responsibility) to delight." I think a agree.
As I think about the past 3 years that followed that question, I realize that I'm on a journey. One that will not end soon, but one that promises great things. My motivation for serving God is moving away from duty, and getting closer to delight. I don't have to serve God...I get to serve God.
This morning as I get ready to start 2008 I am excited about getting the opportunity to experience life to the full through delighting in God each day. I know this is a pretty pie in the sky - cliche type statement, but for me I believe its a start to experiencing God the way he intended.
Hans
