When a couple first falls in love, every little act of service to each other feels like a privilege. There’s no hardship in meeting each other’s needs; it comes effortlessly. Over time, when passion fades, acts of love often turn into acts of responsibility. Affectionate favors can become obligatory behaviors. What once was the natural overflow of love looks like a strained keeping of rules.
That’s how our relationship with God can look too. There are times when every act of service is an overflow of love for him. Then there are times when every act feels like an obligation. Unfortunately, many people get stuck in this rule-keeping approach and forget the effortlessness of love. The life of faith becomes draining rather than inspiring.
Whatever it takes, stoke your passion for God. If forced obedience is all you have, give him that; but it’s far better to tend to your heart, spend time enjoying his presence, and then just live your love out loud. Following Jesus is a heart issue long before it’s a behavioral issue. In fact, if the heart is full of him, the behavior happens naturally.
God approaches you with enthusiasm and desire. Respond to him that way, and every act of service will feel like a privilege.
