Intensity


Intensity

Light is unique in many ways. We perceive it in a spectrum of what we might call its strength.
Physicists would call this variable amount of light emitted or transmitted, the light’s “intensity.”

Darkness, on the other hand, does not exist as a “thing” or condition. Darkness is simply the
absence of light.

The Bible uses these images when describing spiritual life, as well. He is Light, and He is life.
Where are you walking?

Friday, September 4, 2015

Spiritual Intensity, Revisited


In the beginning, when we first felt compelled to start Golden Community Church, "Spiritual Intensity" was a fairly regular topic of conversation for the leadership.  We liked the fact that light has an "intensity" that can be measured.  It gives us several interesting parallels to our spiritual life.  The idea of intensity captures a concept that is very important to us.  Over time, this desire for spiritual intensity has not left us.  However, we haven't specifically talked about it for a while, so I thought we would revisit it here.

The Bible tells us that God is light, that God is love, God is perfect, God is righteous, God is holy, and that God is a whole bunch of other things.  If you have been a Christian for any length of time, these words can become sounds without meaning.  The truth, the reality of any one of these descriptions of God is overwhelming and awe-inspiring, if you really internalize it. 

Likewise, the Bible tells us that God sent His very Son to earth, to live in the form of a man, and to die to open the door for us to have a relationship with Him.  For YOU to have a relationship with Him.  He then rose from the dead, which verified His power over sin and death, and assured all who receive Him that we will have life with Him forever.  Not just living forever, but living in close relationship with Him forever. 

These truths about God are themselves issues of intensity.  Can you think of any more intense truths than these?  And what reaction should this elicit from children of God?

These realities, and many others about God, should motivate us to the most intense reactions we could have in life.  Intensity in how we seek Him, intensity in how we get to know Him.  Intensity in how we strive to stay in His presence.  An intensity that never allows anything to get in the way of our relationship with Him.  Ever.

And yet, within the reality of our lives, this appropriate level of intensity seems impossible.  I have too many other things that I give attention to, that pull at me, that I WANT to be distracted with.  How do we do what we should do?  Does God provide a way?

These are the things we are talking about, on these pages, at our worship services at Golden Community, at Bible Study, and within our relationships. 

Join us, read on, and engage the conversation.

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