A man by the name of C.S. Lewis, whom I find exceptionally inspiring, once said, “When I have learnt to love God better than my earthly dearest, I shall love my earthly dearest better than I do now.”
At
first glance it seems shocking and even harsh… loving someone more than your
significant other? However, I believe he’s exactly right. Relationships today
can seem caught up in silly mind games and attempting to steer clear of
commitment, while making an effort to “win” even the most insignificant
arguments. Do you truly believe that’s what God has in mind when he tells us to
“love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with
all your mind?” Followed by “love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s no coincidence
that God tells us to love himself first, and then love our neighbor. We are called to love God above all else,
that’s why it comes first. Then we are commanded to not just love our neighbor,
but love him/her as ourselves. (That
means love them A LOT).
So
what is love? Love is a “profoundly passionate affection for another.” Did you
catch that part in the middle? A passionate
affection. Passion, as in a powerful and
compelling emotion, and affection as in gentle and caring. Since when did the
term “love” get twisted into meaning the above description of trying to “win”
and have the upper hand? Since when did love turn into avoiding commitment? The
term itself directly implies not just any commitment, but a deep and purposeful
one!
Here’s
where I think C.S. Lewis hit the nail right on the head. When you learn to love
God and form a relationship with Him, you acquire a whole different perspective
on life, friendships, and yes, even love. Believe it or not, the Bible has some
great relationship advice. Don’t just take my word for it though, go ahead and
check it out for yourself!
I
speak from experience when I say having Christ at the center of your
relationship makes ALL the difference. Suddenly it’s not about trying to win,
or worrying whether your honey might find someone better when they hit up that
party this weekend. It turns into something much, much more meaningful. Small
talk turns into deep and purposeful conversation. Worrying fades away and is
replaced by complete trust. And putting yourself first turns into wanting
what’s best for the other, even when it may not seem to be best for yourself.
It’s rather astonishing what can come from trusting in God and letting things
fall into place. I’m challenging you to take the wise words of Mr. Lewis and apply
them to your life. I think you’ll find the outcome to be utterly extraordinary.
XOXO
Mary Kate
OR 