Beware of the Familiar

Note: Please let this excellent post submitted by Dave Trotta provoke you to never let God become 'familiar'!

During a recent trip to the Epcot theme park in Disney, I was watching the much anticipated fireworks display at the end of a long, but fun-filled day.  The fireworks did not disappoint.  They were spectacular, just as I had heard, but I noticed something odd as I was watching them.  People were walking by in front of me, but they were paying no mind to the grand fireworks display right above their heads.  As I observed them passing by, I surmised they must have worked at the theme park or were regular visitors.  Whatever the reason, they probably saw the fireworks display enough times that it had become common place to them.  They were no longer awed by the display.  Something spectacular had become familiar to them.

Sometimes we can slip into that mindset with God.  After we walk with Him for a length of time, we allow Him to become familiar to us and we forget about how truly wonderful He is.  We forget that He is all powerful, all sufficient, and all loving.  We forget that He keeps the universe humming along and yet knows the number of hairs on our head.  When we allow Him to become familiar, we enter that very dangerous place of becoming lukewarm in our passion for Him, and we all know how God feels about lukewarm followers.  Revelation 3:16 says “So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”

I think a fitting definition for lukewarm in this context could very well be described as experiencing something great and unique (God!) and letting it become familiar or common place to us.

Let’s determine in our hearts to fight against familiarity when it comes to the things of God. When He is speaking, whether it’s through His word or one of His vessels in the pulpit, let’s be sure to incline our ear and listen with intent, putting aside all distractions.  Let’s constantly remind ourselves of how privileged we are to be children of God.  Let’s not take any of His provision for granted.  In other words, let’s always take time to stop and stand in awe at His constant display of greatness around us.