I was recently working with students in an undergraduate introductory course on theology. One of the themes consistently raised by students is a desire to deepen their relationship with God. These young men and women nearly all share the belief that a theology class will somehow hold the answer to getting closer to God. I explain to each of them that there is no single topic covered in class that will meet their desire for a deeper relationship with God, but Scripture offers all the answers for drawing near.
James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (NIV). Now, I have never met a believer who lacks a desire to hear God; however, we must match our desire with an equal commitment. What does a biblical commitment to pursue God look like? I can think of no better example than that of Elisha.
In 1 Kings 19, Elijah, the prophet of God, was seeking his successor and found him in Elisha. I want to be like Elisha, because once notified of his selection as successor, he drops everything specific to his life in farming and leaves to answer God’s calling. Elisha not only dropped his plow, a symbol synonymous with his family’s identity, profession, and very survival, but he burned it to the ground! Elisha departed his old life with the burning of his plow, the sacrifice of oxen, and the distribution to others. In the end, nothing was left but a biblical record of phenomenal commitment to a calling by God. I want to be like Elisha.
So, how do you reconcile this with a New Testament understanding of discipleship? Well, Christ did not superficially call us. Paul reminds us in Galatians 2:20 that we “have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Through crucifixion with Christ, our plow, or yoke of sin, had been burned to the ground! Amen!
The rest of the verse explains that the “life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Christ gave Himself completely, and He is fully committed to us; our commitment should be no less than His own.
And so, as I told my students, to draw closer to God, commit to reading his word daily! Go beyond a simple daily verse and start a reading plan. Have fellow Christians commit alongside your efforts, as accountability is key to commitment. Additionally, pray without ceasing, not only when you think God must help you (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Commit to praying in the morning to start your day, pray throughout the day as you go about your activities, and pray in the evening to conclude your day.
Draw closer to God, and He will draw closer to you. Elishia left his old life behind to follow God, and Christ gave His life so we might be saved in our pursuit of God. Commit to your faith like Elisha. You will draw closer to God. So, burn down your plow and do not look back. God is waiting.
Dr Thomas Narofsky, President & Dr Leonard Momeny, Vice President
International Baptist Church Ministries