Love... Is Constant
I have loved you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 3:13 (NIV)
I said, "I am falling," but your constant love, O Lord, held me up.
Psalm 94:18 (GNT)
One of love’s big tests is adversity. When health fails, when looks fade, when futures flop, when fortunes fizzle, when cruel winds blow, unanchored love exits to knee-high surf:(
Another fiery test is temptation. When a more attractive offer is made, when things look so much easier elsewhere, unrooted love flees to greener pastures.
Fickle friends and shallow souls are unmasked. Betrayal is clear, and the pain is sharp.
Jesus said, 'Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?' (Luke 22:48).
King David said: 'If an enemy were insulting me, I could endure it... But it is you, a man like myself, my companion, my close friend, with whom I once enjoyed sweet fellowship at the house of God' (Psalm 55:12-14).
On the brighter side, in The Lord of the Rings, author J. R. R. Tolkien (a Christian) illustrates love's beautiful constancy in Sam's great friendship with Frodo Baggins.*
Top line: The Lord’s constant love is our example, our guarantee, and our no-fail promise!
Middle line: Perfect constancy belongs to Jesus. The best we can do is keep practicing.
Bottom line: Our constant love for others (when it’s hard) is an excellent witness of the King.
P.S. line: Constancy is a form of faithfulness, and faith is the only way to please God.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Media is anything but constant. Its flow is a “floodgates-open” deluge. Its fans are fickle. Loyalty is scarce. Such is our world, but remember two things:
Most followers DO seek a constant star. In the world of men, only One has lived. Do your best (off stage) and point up to Him.
Entertainment industry VIPs do favor dependable performers. So keep your word and rehearse constancy.
Love… Is Constant (Part 32)
* J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: A Legendary Friendship - Christianity Today
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to models of Jesus, and we all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.
WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!