But What if I Don’t Prefer Christ

In my last post I wrote about the fact that our preference for the Lord’s presence here on earth provides a simple snapshot of our desire to be in His presence in heaven. And that our preference for the presence of Christ is a receiving of the Father’s Gift, one that comes with Reward and blessing. This is great news, but what happens if I realize that I don’t prefer Christ and His presence in my life? Am I just out of luck? What if I love the world more than Christ’s Life and presence?

I Don’t Prefer Christ

This is a great question and one that many ask. Many of us find ourselves in the predicament that our hunger for the Lord has waned – or was never really there at all. I am going to address the waning affection, because I think that the issue of no real affection for Christ is solved with a true salvation.

When our loves are revealed, we see just how far we have strayed off the mark. The good news is this is resolvable! Though it might be a current crisis, it is not irredeemable. And that’s because the Father doesn’t expect any of my efforts to produce a holy display of godliness and passion. God doesn’t expect that I will muster up a deep zeal or love for Him. All I must do is turn to Him, confess my sin, and repent for my heart’s position. From there the Lord will work a miracle according to my choice for Him. Once I have set my intentions, the Lord will bring about my decrease and His increase.

My Desire for Christ

It is amazing that the Father looks for His own desires He has placed within us. Flesh will never yearn for the spiritual; it wallows in the world. And worldliness is all that flesh can ever produce. Even “good” flesh is focused on the world. Our fleshly best just ain’t good enough.

So if I find myself lacking hunger and thirst for Jesus and His presence, my resolve is to seek this passion from the Source. I can simply confess my lack of interest to the Lord, and then He will rectify the issue. It will be in His timing and by His Way, but it will be resolved. God will make my desert-rocks-life pour forth with His own spiritual Life waters.

So don’t fret if your eyes are dry and your faith is old, or your heart is hard and your prayers are cold. As Keith Green sings, the Spirit of Love will wash you anew in the wine of His blood. All He needs is an ignited heart calling on Him in our trouble. It is ours to confess and God’s to resolve.

A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.
Psalm 84:10 NLT