Today’s Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6
Yesterday’s devotional closed with a question that we were to meditate on:
How deep is your love?
Do you know that it is possible to love many things about someone but yet not really love that person?
That was the opening thought that the Holy Spirit evoked in me as I prepared to write today’s devotional.
Taking it further, an extension of that first thought was expressed:
In the same way, do you know, that it is possible for you to love many things about the church you are fellowshipping in, but yet not really love that church?
The phrase: “A mile wide and one inch deep”, is a fairly common English saying that I think aptly captures both realities.
It is basically something that appears to be wide in reach, but shallow in depth. Just like our Facebook “friends” or Twitter “followers”.
Someone describes the term as a person who may have many faces they wear, in order to appear to be whatever person they need to be for any occasion
or need that they have. But because that person is just ‘an inch deep’, they are shallow, and self-serving so that they will stay as long as
they get what they want from you, and leave you if you fail them, or if things don’t go their way.
or need that they have. But because that person is just ‘an inch deep’, they are shallow, and self-serving so that they will stay as long as
they get what they want from you, and leave you if you fail them, or if things don’t go their way.
That can sometimes be the definition of the “love” that we show and give to each other in church!
We are expansive in speech, expressive in hugs, but very shallow in action and lacking in substance.
For many, that can even be the description of our “love relationship” with Jesus – A mile wide, but one inch deep!
We love Jesus because of the things that He does for us, we enjoy the things that He gives to us. We “love” church and the church people, when
the church and the members do the things that we like or meet the needs that we have.
the church and the members do the things that we like or meet the needs that we have.
As soon as anything happens that displeases us or rubs us the wrong way, we break the bonds of love. If they fail to deliver on our expectations,
if there is any disagreement or offence, if the pastor does something or says something to you that you find disagreeable, it’s time for you
to give him the cold treatment or maybe even leave and look for another church that will treat you better and that will understand and meet
your perceived needs.
if there is any disagreement or offence, if the pastor does something or says something to you that you find disagreeable, it’s time for you
to give him the cold treatment or maybe even leave and look for another church that will treat you better and that will understand and meet
your perceived needs.
Our “commitment” and our “love” is a mile wide but one inch deep.
In good times, it appears to be far-reaching and all “lovey-dovey”; but as soon as an act of offence, a challenge, a misunderstanding or disappointment
scratches the surface, a very shallow depth of character is revealed.
scratches the surface, a very shallow depth of character is revealed.
Does that describe the depth of your commitment and love for Christ and His church? Does that describe the “love” that you have for people? We
can love many things about our church but not really love the church; we can love some things about the people but not really love them. We
can love many things about Jesus, but not really love Him!
can love many things about our church but not really love the church; we can love some things about the people but not really love them. We
can love many things about Jesus, but not really love Him!
How deep is your love?
Is it as deep as it is wide? Thinking about that now; even that can raise another question all together…
How wide is your love?
Selah…
May the Peace of Christ reign in you,
Shalom,
Pastor Wale Ola
LIFE APPLICATION
1. What is God saying to me in today’s message?
2. What was ministered to me in the bible verses that I read today?
3. What are the changes or adjustments I need to make in my life to align with the word of God?
4. What is my commitment to the word for today?
5. What practical steps can I take to benefit from the word I have read today?
PRAYER FOCUS
Lord, please teach me to love like you do.
Take every hindrance away, that I may reach the depths of love that you can give through me.
I want my love for you and the love that I give to others to be as deep as it is wide, through the workings of Your grace.
Song for Today: Wrap Me in Your Arms – William McDowell