Christian livingChurchGospelHolinessRelationshipUnity

Misplaced Affections

  

 My heart breaks for God’s church this morning. As I read through this list, I was reminded of story after story I’ve heard on the news confirming all these truths of misdirected affections of our times.  My mind attempted to remind me that those who don’t know God  would not be desiring holiness. 

Deep within me, my mind and heart desires to see God and His goodness triumph; for His church to rise up and stand for truth.  When we get to verse 5; however, Paul pointedly connects empty religion to these affections and so I weep.  For The body of Christ should be carrying with it the love and power of God not a form of godliness without power. 

This passage is powerful because it challenges me personally to Know,Live, and Speak this truth.  I must ensure that my own affections are properly placed in the One true living God.  

Painful memories also resurface as I recall seeing my former home church move toward  an empty religion environment.  I watched as the leadership subtly moved from a place of love and grace dependent on God, to a place of performance dependent on “attracting and assigning the right people”.  It became about doing our best instead of seeing God’s best.  I attempted at first to jump through hoops but though I would satisfy every point, it wasn’t enough.   Not long after it was “recommended” that I resign.  My heart still grieves over this.  I miss my brothers and sisters in Christ there that genuinely desired to Know, Live, and Speak the truth.  At the same time I am truly thankful that we are worshipping somewhere where Jesus is center stage; not just in Word but also in action. I am free to fully minister with affections properly placed. 

Personal Reflection

Where are your affections placed?  Are you abandoning everything that sets itself against God?  Are you subtly trusting in your power and strength rather than Jesus’ finished work at the cross?  If your affections are misplaced, confess and repent today!  For there is work to be done by His power!

Prayer Focus

Father, may we as Your church never show a form of godliness but deny Your power. Let us live only by the truth of Your Word. Help us to keep Jesus at the center of everything on the throne that He has righty earned!  May our affections be for You above all else, in Jesus Name, Anen!

2 thoughts on “Misplaced Affections

  1. Amen! Grateful for the truth of Romans 3:3-4 God is True when people are not!(I am a pastor’s wife who has had to re-forgive how my husband has been treated!

Comments are closed.