I Don't Need God In My Life

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. [2 Timothy 4.3]

God is not a genie in a bottle. But we sure would like that.

As a matter of fact, we have really made God out to be just that - a genie in a bottle there to make our lives better. And you know what? People like to hear that. People like to hear that if they get God in their lives, everything will go their way. And that is precisely what many church leaders today are promoting.

This kind of teaching is just what our itching ears want to hear.

But it occurred to me today that I don't need God in my life. Yes, I said what I meant - I don't need God in my life.

What I need is for my life to be in God.

There is a difference.

To have God in my life means that He is simply an addition to what I have. And that sounds good - like a genie in a bottle. It requires nothing of me really but to simply acquire one more thing in my life to make it better - like another piece of exercise equipment. It is all about building my life - adding to my portfolio - improving me.

But for my life to be in God means that my life is not my own. It means my life is of no consequence except as it is found in God.

That's not as satisfying to itching ears is it?

It's of no personal gain to be in God. It is, to the contrary, about being bankrupt as far as self goes, and all-in as far as God goes.

Being in God is not about adding to our identity, but about losing our identity and taking on God's.

No, itching won't want to hear this. They never have and never will.

Our lives are to be hid with Christ in God.

As believers, we are crucified with Christ - so that Christ might live is us - Christ Jesus Who is in God!

Father, help us to understand that just because a teaching sounds good ("get God in your life to make it better!"), doesn't make it right. Help us to count the cost of following You - the cost of our own identity in order to be found in Yours.