What effects our affections

The word affection carries with it a lot of meaning. Typically we think of such things as physical touch or an endearing feeling toward someone else - feeling of affection. In that respect, the word conjures up an emotional image, one that I often don't think of when I consider God.

But men like Jonathan Edwards used the word affection in a way that is different than what you and I grasp it (admittedly I haven't read a whole lot of his works but I plan on reading more). To Edwards, affection was more than just a tingly feeling; it was an all encompassing love for God with body, mind, and soul. It wasn't a spiritual high that one got from attending a powerful meeting or revival but rather a whole heart devotion to God. To him, it was what helped distinguish true and false religion by showing the marks of a saving work of the Holy Spirit in men.

When our hearts are so greatly moved by God then our affection for Him will follow. That deep, passionate desire to worship Him and give Him glory, to serve Him whatever the cost, to sacrifice and live for His kingdom - these are religious affections that we can display. Where I struggle is how deeply my affections can be effected by the circumstances around me.

Having returned recently from Passion 2010, I can honestly say that my affection for God has been stirred dramatically. And as I have found to be the case, the circumstances of life seem to magnify themselves when my desire is to see God magnified the most. Jesus addressed this pretty clearly when He said in Mark 4:18-19 that worry, the seduction of wealth, and the desires for other things - the cares of this world - can choke out the joy that God is churning within us. Bills to pay, a house to clean, kids to tend to, a job that you endure, traffic, unexpected home repairs, sickness in your family, dissatisfaction with your station in life - all of these things can battle against the affection that is reserved in our hearts for God.

How do we avoid having our affections effected by such things? Again, let's search the words of Jesus. In Matthew 6:33 He tells us, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." What things will be provided? Our basic needs - the food we need to eat, the clothes to wear, a roof over our heads, the means to pay our bills - will be provided by God. This is significant because it is these things that effect our affections the greatest. It is as if God is telling each one of us, "I've got you covered. Now let your focus be on Me and Me alone." Let us all be released to set our affections on our great God alone.