Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)
Do you remember the days when life was simple? The only thing you did was depend on your parents to do everything for you such as giving you a bottle, picking you up when you cried, and rocking you to sleep at bedtime. Actually, I cannot remember many of these moments very well. However, I do recall eating supper around the family table, telling mom and dad about tough situations at school, and being able to go to bed, sleeping peacefully in the security of my parents’ home. Looking back, it was a joyful time because my parents provided all of my needs and simply asked me to obey. How much easier could it get than that? Life then was simple.
Now, with a six-month-old in the house, I am relearning valuable lessons about loving God and family. Most mornings, I wait for Daniel to start crying when he is waking up in his crib. When I hear that he is stirring, I walk to his bedroom and bend down for his reaching arms. He normally has the brightest expression on his face when he sees me. It is in this moment I realize that all he wants is his mother or me. His love is raw, real, powerful, and intimate, and I know he is completely depending on me for everything. Once he is secure in my arms, the next thing he wants is a bottle of fresh milk. Of course, I give him what he needs and desires, as he rests in my arms.
As he continues to grow, he is beginning to enjoy watching cartoons, playing with remote controls, and exploring the world in which he lives through crawling. Sometimes, he gets distracted from me with the door stop or something on the coffee table, but at the end of the day, all he wants is milk and me, as he says, “da-da.”
Are you still depending on your heavenly Father every day? He was there the day you were “born again” into His family. He has provided for you every single day before and since then. Have you lost touch with Him? Have you forgotten that He is your “Abba, Father”? If so, let Him know how much have missed His intimate fellowship and are thankful for the gift of his Son. His Son died that we may live, and it is in Jesus Christ where we see the glory and reflection of the Father. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
Keep looking up to Him as the Psalmist reminds us, “I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2). As you look up to the Father, may “the LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26). Knowing Jesus is sweeter than the radiating smile of a newborn babe reflecting from the face of a loving father.
