Danny ChaiI find it hard to believe that my fumbling entry somehow inspired Bobby’s eloquent and profound one from June 22. I guess the Holy Spirit can use anything.
A while back I came across this quote by John Piper in the D.A. Carson book. D.A. Carson quoting John Piper – talk about a quotation having some weight.
The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquest of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night. For all the ill that Satan can do, when God describes what keeps us from the banquet table of his love, it is a piece of land, a yoke of oxen, and a wife (Luke 14:18-20). The greatest adversary of love to God is not his enemies but his gifts. And the most deadly appetites are not for the poison of evil, but for the simple pleasures of earth. For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable.
Wow. That totally spoke to me. He says it’s almost unrecognizable, but I think, in retrospect, I see when it’s been true in my life. When my passion for God has waned, it’s never been the result of a sudden turning away, a deliberate choosing of something evil. More often, that’s the symptom, not the cause. Rather, it’s a long series of small choices that lead me there, choosing things that are good, but which cumulatively start to become my treasure. Overvaluing the things or the freedom itself that God gives me.
I’ve said this before, but I strongly believe that’s how Satan works. He’s never in your face about it, rather, he masks himself in light. So stuff like Marilyn Manson or Erotica-era Madonna, I don’t think that’s typical of how Satan works. Rather, it’s those things that seem or are in fact good that slowly lead you away from God that are truly Satanic. Like Britney Spears’ slide from virgin bubble-gum pop princess to someone who discusses her sex life on national (low-rated) TV. He’s much more likely to use something like that than Cannibal Corpse.
Our church is pretty good I think at keeping each other in line regarding big, obvious sins. What I wonder is if there’s some way we can encourage each other in those endless little choices along the way that can dull our passion for God. Ask not just whether the things we do or value are good, or whether we have freedom to do things – because that’s only part of the issue – but whether collectively, they’re best. Unfortunately, I have no idea what that would look like.
This may sound terrible, but my prayer nowadays is that Abby may not interfere with my passion for God. I look at her, and see what a good and wonderful gift from God she is. But even children can be an idol. So yeah, I want to love her with all my heart (which at this point isn’t that hard since she’s so frickin cute. I mean, seriously. Ridiculous) but do it in a manner that honors God. We’ll see what that looks like.