What (or Who) Is Your Obsession? (Part 2)
II. How to Make God Your Obsession
In Part 1, we contrasted cartoon Calvin’s obsession with Captain Napalm trading cards against God’s obsession with himself. And since God is rightfully obsessed with himself as the essence of all that is perfect, holy, and good, then just maybe we should be obsessed with him, too. Finally, I asked exactly how then do we make God our obsession? Answering the following questions honestly will help us.
1. What are your true obsessions? Look at your activities for the last month. Whatever you did was what was important to you. Similarly, whatever you didn’t “find” time to do wasn’t important to you. It’s really that simple. We can try to rationalize it, but we always make time for our obsessions. I know mine. What are yours?
2. Were activities that brought you closer to God well represented? That doesn’t just mean church-related events. It includes all the times you honored God by acting like one of his redeemed creation, like his imager. It includes the times you resisted temptation. Or praised him in the midst of suffering. Or, most importantly, spent time alone with him in prayer. Nothing pleases parents more than when one of their children wants face-to-face time alone with them. Our Father is no different.
3. Were you aware of God’s presence with you, even in your hectic schedule? Did you hold a running conversation with him in your head? If you’re obsessed with him, he’ll be a part of your every waking moment. This is what Paul meant by praying without ceasing.
4. How long did it take from the time something good happened to you until you thanked God for it? We are commanded to be grateful (Phil 4:4). Not just grateful in general. Grateful to him. Those who are obsessed with God are known and cherished for their gratefulness. Are you?
5. How long did it take from the time something bad happened to you until you thanked God for it? Minutes? Hours? Days? Never? This may be the best barometer for measuring your obsession with God. We’ve all heard that we are to thank our God in our trials (1 Thes 5:16-18). Typically, our response is one of relief, “See, Paul said in our trials, not for them. God couldn’t possibly expect us to thank him for horrible things that happen to us, could he?” Well, actually, yes, he could. And he did. Speaking for God, Paul tells the church in Ephesus that they are to be “giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of (i.e., by the power of) our Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 5:20). To which we cry in unison, “But that’s impossible!” Yes, for us it is. But it’s not for the Holy Spirit indwelling us. Our reaction to suffering reveals our confidence in God’s sovereignty (he’s the ultimate source of all power, authority, and everything that exists and happens), wisdom (always knowing and doing the right thing for the right purpose), and love (an unselfish choice for another’s highest good) . Trials are designed to test our faith (i.e., reveal where we’ve placed our trust), build perseverance, and develop a mature Christian character (Rom 5:3-5; Jas 1:2-4). The truly obsessed recall their trials when they count their blessings. You’ll hear them praying, “Lord, I am blessed. Help me endure my blessings.”
There may be more ways to make God your obsession, but that’s a good start. Meditate on these questions until you get a clear perspective on your purpose. Calvin is obsessed. So are you. He has a purpose. So do you. He’s known for something. You are, too. What is it? The good news is, if you don’t like the answer, you can change it. Start now. God isn’t just sitting idly in his la-z-boy waiting for you. He has gathered up his robes and is running to meet the prodigal you, to fall upon your neck with kisses, to kill the fatted calf, to celebrate his offering, and your acceptance, of his mercy (not getting what you deserve…death) and grace (getting what you don’t deserve…him). Go. Meet him now. Change your obsession.
In Part 3, we’ll look at how obsession is worship and how that defines your life mission.
