If I really loved God

Thinking more about what CS Lewis wrote on charity or love in relationship to God.  On loving God, Lewis wrote, “Act as if you did. . . If I were sure I loved God, what would I do? . . . Then, go do it.”  Sooooo, if I loved God, I would

• obey him
• tell others about him
• honor his name and be hurt when his name was not honored
• enjoy being with him
• be grateful and thankful
• praise him
• enjoy and not despise his good gifts
• be aware of his presence, not ignoring him, listening to him, not always be the one talking
• others?

Pride revisited

Last week, I had to deal with some hurt feelings when it appeared that someone did not show respect to me in my role.  I was able to work it out and even to explain to the other person what was happening inside me.  Then, Thursday, God was able to show me what was truly happening inside of me.  My problem: pride.   Once again, thanks to CS Lewis on “The Greatest Sin.”

If you want to find out how proud you are, suggested Lewis, ask yourself, “How much do I dislike it when other people snub me or refuse to take any notice of me or patronise me.”   And of course, I would add, “when they show me disrespect.”

Act as if you love them

C.S. Lewis said, “Don’t waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbor; act as if you did. ” (italics original in Christian Behaviour)  Why?  Because says Lewis, “When we behave as if we love someone, we will come to love him.”

Ok then, here are some ways I could do this

• listen to their stories
• join them in their world when possible
• express interest in their family
• support them when possible
• show them all the five languages of love
• show them respect and honor
• do what they want
• speak the truth to them
• walk with them
• don’t judge or criticize or slander them
• think the best of them

Hope of longings fulfilled

Read “Hope” by C.S. Lewis in a small book called, Christian Behaviour.  This was a series of 10 minute talks that Lewis gave on BBC.  Lewis explains how those longings within us that are never quite satisfied here on earth are really longings for heaven.  He says that the fulfillment of our longings is elusive, always fading away just when we think they will be fulfilled.  Lewis suggests there are three responses when we realize our longings are going unmet.

• Fools Response–they blame things, have an attitude of “if only,” and attempt to have more experiences so that the longings will be fulfilled.
• Disillusioned “Sensible” response–give up, learn not to expect too much, repress that part of self that has these longings
• Christian way–they believe “Creatures are not borne with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exist. . . If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that i was made for another world.”

Came up with the following list of longings. Likely some of these need to be combined into the same category. Suggestions appreciated.

• intimacy with another
• to be understood, valued, appreciated
• to be loved
• beauty
• significance, praise
• to know and be known, to not be alone
• joy
• peace
• safety
• contentment
• rest
• belonging