A friend posted a crockpot recipe on her Facebook page. The meal looked good, so I downloaded the recipe—intending to use it one day. The following week, another friend said she was looking for some good slow-cooker meals to prepare, so I emailed her the crockpot recipe I had seen on Facebook. She, in turn, forwarded it to several friends who passed it on as well.
Later, while talking with friends, I learned that the recipe had been forwarded far and wide though no one—not even the friend who posted it originally—had actually made the dish. We recommended it without having tasted it.
On occasion, we do something similar in matters of faith. While our motives to build “others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) are good ones, and biblical, it’s often easier to post others’ stories about trusting God than to exercise faith in Him ourselves.
For example, we might post an anecdote on Facebook encouraging others to “taste and see that the LORD is good,” “take refuge in him,” and “fear him” so they will “have all they need” (Psalm 34:8-9). At the same time, however, we’re not doing those things.
With this observation, I’m not seeking to point out areas of hypocrisy. I’m simply noting that God doesn’t want me just to talk about Him; He wants me to experience Him. He wants us to know Him deeply and to taste and see that He is good!
We can experience deeper intimacy with Christ by:
• praising Him and exalting in who He is (Psalm 34:1,3).
• praying to Him and listening for His voice (Psalm 34:4,6).
• enjoying His goodness as we take refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8).
Today, and always, may we taste and see that God is good!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 18:1-14
More:
Read Titus 1:16 and consider the difference between saying we know God and living in a way that honors Him because we do know Him.
Next:
What does it mean for you to taste and know that God is good? How will you grow in greater intimacy with Him this week?
Gary Shultz on August 22, 2015 at 7:09 am
Oooh, that does look good. … Since the question asks each person, tasting of the Godly experience is to totally intake what God offers each person, then the meditation and results. The points you have listed are great ways to continue the growth, ways to prepare for service. Thanks
tracey5tgbtg on August 22, 2015 at 7:55 am
The verse, “taste and see that the Lord is good” is one of my favorites. And, it is true. The Lord is everything that is good and everything we desire. This devotional was a classic example of human nature. How often do we get inspired by something that promises to be good, and pass on the notion to others, without taking the time to experience it ourselves? How often do we pass along some “good advice” without taking that advice ourselves? Much to think about here. Thank you.
Marlena Graves on August 22, 2015 at 1:57 pm
Your illustration about the crockpot recipe is such an excellent reminder. Sometimes we can talk about God so much and hear sermons, but live almost godless lives. I know you were talking about hypocrisy. We must follow Jesus ourselves.
Roxanne Robbins on August 24, 2015 at 11:40 am
Thank you for the kind feedback, and insightful comments!