The God of Cause

Some of the most passionate people on the face of the planet are those who believe they are invested in an important cause.  You, like I, have probably encountered those who are zealous about taking care of the planet.  Their message against pollution and warnings about callously disregarding the land, sea and sky are noble.  We should be good stewards of what God created. 

Others are zealous for same-sex rights, prolife or prochoice.  Still others crusade against guns or for the right to bear arms, against drunk drivers or for the right to smoke weed, against corruption in the government or for laws ensuring all children are vaccinated. 

To be invested in a cause for many seems validating.  It is a source of recognition, a means to effect change, and for some to right what is perceived as wrong.  And that’s what can makes causes great—so long as they are kept in balance.  Many who are invested in causes describe their fight as life-changing and full of meaning. Yet the list of causes is endless and I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t a significant strategy of Satan.
 
Meditation
Philippians 3:7--But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ.
Colossians 3:2--Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.
 
If Jenny puts her primary focus on a cause and believes this will give her life meaning and yet does not know Jesus two very bad things happen.  First, Jenny will never find true peace and victory supporting a cause because a cause by itself is unfulfilling. No matter what Jenny does, it will never be enough.  Second, if the cause blinds Jenny to life’s true meaning, no matter the quality of her work and passion, it will not gain her salvation—mankind cannot be saved by causes.  In essence, she loses her soul for some passionate pursuit.  Worse yet, some causes run directly against God’s expressed will.  What the world affirms as right or correct is often diametrically opposed to heaven.

I believe the enemy is more than happy to get people committed to anything that will keep them from seeing their real need or focusing on Jesus.  Causes can easily become addictions and addictions by their very nature destroy unless one is addicted to Jesus.  If you know someone sucked into chasing after causes and oblivious to who should be their first cause and devotion, pray for them and look for opportunities to present the hope that you have and they need—to know Christ and to follow after Him wholeheartedly.  
 
Inspiration
I have no right to identify myself with a cause unless it represents that for which Jesus Christ died.—Oswald Chambers in The Place of Help 
 
©2018  Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)