We all settle for less than ideal, less than perfect, less than God. Thus, we know so little of Him, and substitutes come easy. Pondering settling, our hearts turn towards settling substitutes that we all thought or think might make us happiest. For example, a substitute for God might be a: guy, girl, job, position, status, thing, etc. Anything that takes the rightful place of God is an idol. As a result, we settle for something less than God.
Seek God’s glory – perfection, the ideal, God, His kingdom, His righteousness, His holiness… Let nothing come before Him. He is most holy. God is set apart from all others. God is the only perfect One. As such, He must be set apart by us. We need to worship Him alone, without distraction, without impediment, without cares, without anything creeping ahead of Him…without sandbags piling up between us and Him, without anything blocking our access to His glory or our worship of Him. This is where we find wholeness and worship. Therefore, this assists us to stop settling.
The privilege of experiencing His presence, His person, and His perfections is heavenly. A glimmer of His glory will be a little slice of heaven here on earth. Giving ourselves up to Him; feeling the feelings of puppy love for Him; infatuated with Him; experiencing the depths of true love with Him, only Him. Nothing else really matters; nothing else is important; only Him. Indeed, it is unsettling to realize we have settled for less than God.
Next, the more we know Him, the less content we will be to settle for anything or anyone else. Additionally, we will be delighted to spend time with Him, to think of Him, to talk to Him, to praise and worship Him, and to spend time with others excited about Him. This yielding to Him and His Spirit, fills us with the Spirit, and heavenly Spiritual fruit. Hence, this makes it more difficult to quickly settle for less than the greatest eternal love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, meekness, truth, grace, mercy, etc. See Spiritual Life lesson for additional detail regarding the battle between the Spirit and the flesh in our minds. See Kristi Walker’s explanation of What is Spiritual life and Why is it so important?
As a believer in Him, we have the peace of His perfection positionally now. We have this in heart, mind, soul, and strength. But none of us live commensurate with our position. Although this position, or His position, deserves and demands that we seek to do so. As a believer in Him, we have the hope of permanent perfection in ultimate glorification. Consequently, we will be blessed forever to be like Him. To never stray, never go away, never sin, never settle, never take my eyes off You Lord. Oh Lord, let me always focus on You, even now.
So, help me never to settle for anything less than you again. Body, soul, and spirit, let me fully worship, stay in your presence, and be fully Thine. Please forgive me for my spiritual shallowness, in so many ways. Let me be deep, deep into You, and in every way of You, Your Word, Your Son Jesus Christ, and Your Holy Spirit. Let me consciously free myself up from distracting blessings and cursings that take my eyes off of You.
In conclusion, God gave me the song below this morning. It helps me think and dwell more on God, His Perfections, and His glory. Sadly, I know I’ll rob God, rob me, rob you, and settle spiritually even today. Please pray for yourself and me not to settle and to keep our minds on Him. I would love your comments as to how you overcome and keep from settling for less than God.
“More of You”
More of You,
More of You…
May my heart, soul, mind, and strength,
Seek more of You.Each and every day,
May I love You all the way…
May my heart, mind, words, and actions,
Love more of You.More of You,
More of You…
May my eyes, heart, soul, and mind,
See more of You.Each and every day,
May I learn to watch and pray…
May my heart, soul, mind, and strength,
Be more like You.More of You,
More of You…
May I bring you greater glory,
Praising You.Worshiping every day,
May I cling to You my stay…
May my heart, soul, mind, and will,
Abide in You.