September 8, “Have it your way” – the danger of personal preferences.

Do not chase your preferences.  Follow the Truth.  The Truth of Jesus will always satisfy you more than the fulfillment of any personal whims or desires of this life.    

This is what I have learned:

Chasing preferences depends upon certain emotions to lead you. The truth, on the other hand, will bring a stirring of the soul that God intends. “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)

Chasing preferences focuses upon what “I like”. The truth focuses upon what God is like.  “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us.”  (Micah 7:18-19)

Chasing preferences requires nothing of substance from me.  The truth demands my life, my all.  “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humblywith your God.” (Micha 6:8)

Chasing preferences defines me as a consumer.  But the truth consumes me with Jesus. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’.”  (John 14:6)

Chasing preferences sedates me from my inner conflicts. The truth heals my soul.  “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71) 

Chasing preferences can cloud the majesty of God through prioritizing a personal manner of worship.  The truth reveals the majesty of God in worship. “His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4:24)

Chasing preferences causes me to look to myself first, and then to God.  The truth calls me to a relentless focus on God while letting go of myself. “Come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord, He is God.” (Psalm 100:2-3)

Chasing preferences replaces the true meaning of discipleship.  The truth disciplines my heart after Jesus. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (John 8:31)

Chasing preferences makes me hungry for the next “experience.”  The truth calls me to hunger and thirst after righteousness. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).  

Chasing preferences measures satisfaction by how much I receive of what I personally prefer.  The Truth leads to a life satisfied in what God prefers.  “Give ear and come to Me;  listen, that you may live.” (Isaiah 55:3)

So, regardless of what might define the mountain top elation of your experiences in discipleship and worship, if you require an outward experience built on your preferences you will in the end be disappointed.  But if you will cling to the truth tighter than any inclinations of your preferences, you will be free (John 8:32).    

I do not intentionally underemphasize one’s personal proclivities (specific tastes or leanings) toward experiences of faith and worship. But I offer these simple truths to remind us that our experiences of faith, discipleship, and worship are all about an engagement with the living truth - a personal relationship with Jesus.  

So today, we must chase after Jesus and His truth.  For this is the only way to walk in fresh experiences of the new life every day. And this is the only way for the soul to truly be satisfied, and Jesus truly glorified.  

Blessings.