“The deepest desire of our hearts is for union for God. God created us for union with himself. This is the original purpose of our lives.”
Brennan Manning
I have been married to my beloved husband for over forty-five years. Our relationship is constantly evolving, as if going from glory to glory. “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Our union today is different from when we were newlyweds. It is deeper, richer, more intimate, and full of trust. Our oneness has matured.
We know each other better because of a myriad of life’s experiences spent together. We recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses and choose to enhance our closeness by depending on one another. I lean more on John’s strength in the areas I’m weak in. When we choose to move as a partnership we complete one another, looking more like one whole, rather than two separate parts. For many years it wasn’t this way. Because of my insecurities and heart wounds, my default mode was to trust in myself, take control, and compete with John, rather than seeing the value of having him complete me.
Ephesians 5:31 encourages a husband to be united to his wife, “and the two will become one flesh.” Likewise, for our relationship with God to mature, we need to not only experience and get to know God through our daily life, but also to become one with Him. As we choose to partner with God and His mission, our oneness with Him deepens. Being on God’s team means we don’t compete with Him by leading independent lives, by trusting only in ourselves. Instead, we tackle life’s hard issues together, seeking and submitting to His will and wisdom. Growing in my union with God requires me to trust Him and to rely upon Him. When I need God’s support and watch Him come through for me, my trust with God deepens.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, I want to encourage you to pursue a closer union with your heavenly Husband, Jesus. Choose a partnership with Him, allowing Jesus to complete you and to take your relationship with Him from glory to glory.
“Union with Christ is the foundation basis for sanctification and the dynamic force that empowers it.”
Robert Letham
Relevant Reflections:
How have you “competed” with Jesus, by living independently and being in control of your own life?
In what ways can you pursue greater union with God by allowing Him to complete you?