Tom woke up every Sunday morning, brought his wife a glass of orange juice and a bowl of cereal in bed, spent a few minutes thanking her for all she’d done, told her how pretty she looked and that he loved her before he left out to throw a ball with his son a few minutes and played house with his daughter. That was his routine, and he thought it was working out just fine- right up until the divorce.
His wife left him because that was the only time she (and the kids) ever got real face time with him. Tom’s wife didn’t feel very loved by him, especially when he ignored her all week except for the occasional request for her to do something for him. What do you think of Tom? Did he really love his family? Can you truly love someone and ignore them?
I wonder if God the Father ever as wonders the same thing about us? This story about Tom and his wife is made up by me, but the truth is that many Christians only spend time with God on Sunday. They thank Him, praise Him, say a few prayers, sometimes give Him a little cash and walk out to ignore Him the rest of the week except for the occasional prayer request.
I believe God desires face time with us as well. He is not satisfied to only see us on Sunday, but wants to be with us every day. From the beginning it was so. Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua: these are just some of the people who saw God face to face, and many others spoke with Him often. Sure He sees us and knows what’s going on in our lives, but He still wants to communicate one on one with us. Sometimes I think it’s because we can’t see God that we find it so easy to ignore Him, but that won’t make it more acceptable to Him. It’s a good thing He doesn’t divorce us!!!
Mary and Martha had a friendship with Jesus, yet when He came over, Mary sat at His feet and Martha served Him. “And a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving…” (Lk. 10:38,39) Which did He prefer? When Martha complained Jesus said, “But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Lk. 10:42) One thing is needful- sitting at Jesus’ feet.
And that means not ignoring Him.
I love those who love me; and those who seek me early shall find me. Pr. 8:17
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he with Me. Rev. 3:20
Seek Jehovah and His strength; seek His face evermore. Ps. 105:4