In short
- God's primary purpose in speaking is to connect with us relationally and help us see Him clearly.
- Jesus isn't using us for His glory. He is wooing us into a loving relationship. Our obedience comes from relationship, not compulsion.
- What God says about you shapes how you see yourself, other people, and Him.
This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.
In the first two parts of this series, we looked at how to interpret and apply what God says. Now I want to look at the heart behind all of it. What is the purpose behind God speaking? Does He only speak on rare occasions, only to tell us what to do? I don't see the heart of God on display when I think about that possibility.
Friends, Not Servants
I've realized from personal experience that God's primary purpose in speaking to us is to connect with us relationally and for us to see Him clearly. God is concerned with establishing a strong identity in us that changes the way we see the world.
If God only spoke to you or me when He gave a command, then the only purpose of our relationship would be to serve. But God often gives us perspective, encouragement for the season we're in, and a love for the people around us. He reveals His heart, and we become transformed.
We are not just servants, but friends. And if we misunderstand His heart while attempting to obey His voice, we will sorely miss the point of our walk with Jesus. Jesus isn't using us for His glory. He is wooing us into a loving relationship that transforms the world within us and around us. Our obedience is tied to relationship, not compulsion.
So consider the greatest purpose of hearing God: to connect with Him, to understand how He thinks, and to see the world the way He sees it.
Reflect
- Think of an impactful word God has spoken over you. What does it say about who you are?
- How does that word change the way you see yourself, others, and God?
- What have you learned about God's nature through your personal history with Him?
Pray
Father, I don't want to only ask You what to do. I want to know You. Speak to me as a friend, and let what You say about me become what I believe about myself.
