Good Or God? With John BevereSample

The Battle for Your Heart

Nothing is more fulfilling than being in God’s presence. There’s no one on earth whose friendship compares to that of our Creator.

It’s staggering to think any human can be in the presence of God. But what’s more astounding is that He desires our presence even more than we want His. James 4:5 says God yearns for us (see NKJV). To yearn is to have an intense longing or desire. That’s what God feels toward you!

We've discussed the unsurpassed value of intimacy with God. But if we want to pursue His presence, we must realize He isn’t the only one seeking our friendship. The world around us is vying for our attention.

When people hear warnings about “the world,” they often fall prey to legalism. Legalism is about adhering to a set of religious rules. It’s focused on behavior. But the outward focus of legalism doesn’t purify a person’s heart, and the heart is the world’s target.

1 John 2:16 says the world seduces us through “a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions” (NLT). You and I are the targets of a spiritual battle. Will we seek these things, or will we pursue God?

Colossians 3 and 1 John 5 tell us how to defend ourselves: by setting our minds on God and avoiding anything that would take His place in our hearts.

Does this mean we can’t partake of anything in the world? No. That's like suggesting a married person can't interact with someone of the opposite sex. But because I’m married, I’m careful to not behave or open my heart to another woman in an inappropriate way. Likewise, those in relationship with God must guard that covenant.

If we want to stay close to God, we must test where our affections lie. At times, we may need to abstain even from good things—like hobbies or certain forms of entertainment—to keep our affections and thoughts set on God. Whatever we deny is nothing compared to knowing Him.

Do you need to fight for your friendship with God? Ask the Holy Spirit for a battle plan. Then tell someone about it so they can help you stay on track. This openness will require humility, but it is more than worth it to grow closer to the God who yearns for you.