“Then I will heal you of your idolatry and faithlessness, and my love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever!” Hosea 14:4
In the world today, it seems as though affairs happen daily. It's sad, it's devastating, and it can destroy a family. But today I want to talk about an affair that is often overlooked that can be even more destructive and devastating.
The affair we have on Christ.
When we said, "I do" and gave our life to Christ, we made a commitment to Him; to love and honor Him in sickness and in health. To be devoted to Him and only Him, and to love Him with ALL of our heart, mind, soul and strength, for eternity.
But here is where the affair comes in.
Over time our fire and passion for Christ somehow begins to fade. We become more invested in our jobs, our hobbies, our to-do lists, even others. The things of the world begin to become more appealing than our relationship with Christ.
Until eventually Christ is pushed aside and we allow someone or something else to move in.
It’s hard to think that we cheat on Christ, but it’s even harder to admit that we are doing it.
Here are some ways we can check to see if we are having an affair.
Does someone or something get more of our attention than He does?
Does someone or something get more of our time than He does?
Does someone or something take precedence over our time spent in the Word?
Do we desire the world’s pleasure more than we do His?
Do we choose to sleep on Sunday’s rather than go and worship with Jesus?
Do our hobbies or activities take the place of Him?
Does Jesus get our leftovers?
Do we run to get the help and advice of close friends rather than to Christ?
Are our thoughts more consumed with the things of the world?
Do others find us talking more about ourselves than Christ?
Do others find us spending more time doing things that are destroying our relationship with Christ rather than strengthening it?
Sweet one, we are all so guilty of cheating on Christ. We are even guilty of being naïve to the fact that we are doing it, and doing it to much.
Many of us could describe our love life with Christ like Revelation 2:5 "Look how far you have fallen from your first love!"
We have fallen away from Him, our first real love, and we have fallen in love with the things of the world. As much as I don’t want to say it we are similar to Israel in the book of Hosea.
But there is good news! Our marriage and relationship with Christ can be rejuvenated, restored, and it can flourish and grow, if we choose for it to do so. Christ will make sure of it.
How? By destroying the idols, removing the things that have taken His place, and by confessing that we have sinned and cheated on Him.
“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. Bring your petitions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, ‘Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you the sacrifice of praise.” Hosea 14:1-2
