Either I’ve been completely oblivious to it or so inundated with it that I have become numb to it.

It seems “normal.”

I think if you and I were honest with one another about where were we’d been, we’d soon learn that while we have said (or maybe are saying, currently) we believe in God…we have lived life as if we were functional deists. Yes, God is there. Yes, I believe in His existence. Beyond that….I. Don’t. Care.

I’ve had a few instances in which I am sitting across the  table from a girl, sipping on a latte, and in between taking sips, she adamantly states, “I know God is real. I believe in His existence. I just don’t care anymore.”

“Ummm…okay…”

I mean, what do you say to someone who says that? To be honest, it’s hard. It’s messy and it isn’t going to be perfect. But…how true is that statement? Not just for her and her problems but for you….for me….for us? How often are we going through life pretending that God is “near” when in fact we believe He exists far, far away from us and our problems.

It never hurts to do a little “house-keeping” in your heart. Some may laugh. Those who have done it, though, don’t laugh. I am being reminded often to “check my heart,” to spend time away from people and time with Jesus…intentional time with Jesus. To be able to hear Him and His gentle whisper.

May you and I not speak the words, “Yes, I believe in God” lightly. May the weightiness of it overwhelm us so much so that we can’t help but fall on our knees before Jesus and beg that He lavishes his mercy, love, and grace on us. I’ve had far too many conversations with girls who proclaim to be walking with Jesus and then only to find out after further questions that they just say that because that’s what is expected of them.

Lets not be functional deist anymore.

The following is a quote from a book that was recommended to me by one of my professors, “A Praying Life” by Paul E. Miller. I’m into the first section of it and it is rich. I highly recommend it.

Be blessed…
“Many Christians haven’t stopped believing in God; we have just become functional deists living with God at a distance. We view the world as a box with clearly defined edges. But as we learn to pray well, we’ll discover that this is my Father’s world. Because my Father controls everything, I can ask, and he will listen and act. Since I am his child, change is possible–and hope is born” (23).