We all, as Christians, and if I may say, (for I believe it is true about most readers of this site) we who perhaps are in possession of a greater head-knowledge of spiritual things than some around us, have a blessedly easy time in discerning need in many areas. Truths of the Bible and the findings of great saints of old, have shaped our mindset to believe in the all-sufficiency of Christ in all things; and that the greatest need for each of us is to pursue God. Knowing of course that by this pursuit the mundane things of life will gain clarity as we gaze upon Him. “The Knowledge of the Holy is understanding.”
But, then again, is this really our belief? Why aren’t we acting upon it? I ask as a fool, for I cannot look such a question straight in the face. If I had the gift of fully articulating my thoughts, perhaps I could be more clear; but I would like to borrow this statement (the origin of which I am not certain, but which I heard from Leonard Ravenhill) “You are as close to God as you want to be right now.”
Now, we all might say from personal experience that there are times when it seems this isn’t true; but as a general rule, we have seemingly great desires with much less than equivalent pursuits. We have, I fear, been living with a largely futuristic Christianity. That is to say, we have many high ideas about pursuing God that we refuse to apply to the here and now. Or, we may even be seeking, or rather abstractly hoping, that God will give us great religious experiences now, and we will be pious and diligent later. I fear that we all have a condemnable habit (I speak softly) of seeing the need and not acting upon it. How many hours do we spend in prayer? The saints we read about were glad to suffer hardship and agony for the joy of laying hold of Christ as soon as able, and to keep laying hold; where are we? What are we willing to lose? How patient are we?
I feel persuaded that the seemingly innumerable and tedious duties of Christianity in seeking the Lord, and drawing close to Him could be easily summed up, in us taking complete advantage of the Cross of Christ.
Flinding's Weblog 