Scientists are shocked when a new sea creature is discovered that’s able to live in complete darkness under tons of pressure at the bottom of the deepest sea. God is not shocked. These fish are not new discoveries to Him. He created the odd-looking creatures, and only His eyes have seen them for thousands of years. In addition, until the invention of satellites and airplanes, only the eyes of God saw many of the pristine mountain lakes and colorful high-altitude meadows in the world.
In our human-centric world, we may wonder why God created all these things, knowing they would not be appreciated by anyone for years and years, if ever. The Apostle Paul answers, “For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him.” (Colossians 1:16)
It was for His pleasure, not mine, that God created this world. Sunsets, hummingbirds, and salmon existed for God’s enjoyment long before I was born, and they’ll continue to bring Him delight after I depart. I was also brought into this world for God’s glory, not my own. And so were you. Solomon said it well: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
That’s a difficult lesson for most of us to learn, myself included. It’s easy in this “Me, Me, Me” culture to want my will done more than I care about God’s will. Thankfully, the Spirit of God is working to change each of us. Like Paul, there is still a lot for God to change in my character. I readily admit, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect.” However, I am trying to “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
I know that God rejoiced the night I accepted Christ. “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” (Luke 15:7). But I must ask, “Does God still rejoice when He thinks of me?” I know He loves me, but I’ve known parents who also love their child, yet that offspring’s rebellion and self-will only has brought them a lot of heartache and sleepless nights.
When my priority is to build my own kingdom instead of God’s kingdom, I cause Him grief. Solomon’s observation applies, “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.” (Proverbs 10:1). In Proverbs, a wise son is one who is obedient to his parents and lives a godly life. A foolish son rebels against his parents and doesn’t have time for God.
Today, to rejoice the heart of God, Peter counsels each of us, “You must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.” (1 Peter 1:14–15)
If you know Christ, but have been living to build your kingdom, you’ll never be satisfied. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25). Jesus calls you to seek His kingdom above all else.
If you haven’t yet become a follower of Christ, bend your knee before Him today.
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