Recently I was driving to work and the car was filled with the strains of worship music. A song came on which repeated the words “let me love You more” over and over. I found myself wondering why this song was not connecting with me as once it might have.
You see, fifteen years ago that would have been my song. I would have been on my knees singing it from the bottom of my heart. That was my desire — to get closer to God. I loved to worship and thought that was the most important thing in life — even over ‘the great commission’. I figured that soon enough we would all be in heaven and there would be no need for evangelism anyway, there would only be worship. The sum of my life as I calculated it was: Me + Jesus + worship = forever.
No wonder I couldn’t seem to get closer to God. I was wrong. God is about community. God is community. He loves everybody and wants everybody with Him. Three times Jesus asked Simon-Peter if he loved Him. Three times Peter answered “I do.” And three times, Jesus told him in slightly differing forms “Take care of my sheep.” See John 21:15-18
To love God, we must love people. For a task-oriented introvert this realisation gave way to a fundamental change, a whole personality shift in me. I no longer try to avoid people, my focus is not solely on the act of worship, and yes I feel closer to the Lord. So, if you have a desire to love God more — love people. It’s that simple.
For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” [1 John 4:20 NIV]
Romancing The Rock 
thanks for that Amanda. I agree with you whole heartedly. I love worship too. Relationships are the only thing we can take to heaven with us…. well, character and relationships… 🙂
Yes Helan, it’s all about the people. To truly worship God, we have to love the people too.
Thanks Amanda, this is a great and timely challenge to us all. I’m another introvert with a natural tendency to stick in my comfort zone. Perhaps many writers are this way inclined. But if we are to be His hands and feet in this world, we certainly have to get out there and love others.
Hi Paula. I agree, probably most writers are introverts and that’s what makes the marketing part so hard. Getting out there and loving people is hard work, but it’s worth it. 🙂