As a child I remember my favorite days in school were snow days (though I normally got in trouble on those days) and days we had a substitute teacher. It was like a holiday. There was always work to finish but as a consummate OVER-achiever I ALWAYS finished within an hour or two and spent the rest of the day playing games or involving myself in any number of mischievous activities. I know what you’re thinking—“Brian was mischievous??? NEVER!!!” Though I was an angel most of the time I must admit, I had my moments. [go ahead and roll your eyes, I know it’s coming, ha ha!] Surprisingly, after a few days of dealing with a substitute there was always a part of me that desired my real teacher to return. We never learned much with a substitute teacher simply because he/she was unaware of what was going on. I hate to say it but I think they were there simply to babysit us. While it was nice to have a break from the norm the substitute was just that; a substitute. He/She was a sad imitation of the real thing. In most cases the substitute was ill-equipped to help me further my education.
Look around you. You are surrounded by those seeking fulfillment—and you can number yourself among them. We are all born with a desire for something deeper. And so the search ensues. That same desire leaves us all attempting to fill voids with any number of activities, purchases, unhealthy relationships, and more. We quickly learn those things never quite give us the feeling of fulfillment we thought it would. They are only a ‘quick-fix.’ Frustrated, we trot off to the next thing. NEWS FLASH: We won’t experience genuine fulfillment until we have developed a meaningful relationship with Christ. Sadly we find this same issue in the church when dealing with surface Christians. You know the ones I’m talking about. They attend church and live with integrity but are simply going through the motions without seeking a genuine relationship in Christ. I remember asking Christ in my heart at a young age. It took me many years to learn the importance of intimacy. Genuine intimacy. I have found the more I know Him, the more I love Him. As I’ve matured I have realized it’s less about what I need Him to do for me and more about knowing and serving Him better. The more I seek and know Him I realize there’s nothing I need but God. You can take the rest of this stuff. It’s temporary. The love I have for the Father supplies my every longing. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” I say to the world—take your riches—just give me Jesus! I don’t want a relationship that amounts to nothing more than a meaningless ‘fling.’ As far as I’m concerned, substitutes need not apply. Give me the REAL thing.
Final words and encouragement: I’m reminded of an old hymn that states, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” The more I focus on Him the less my focus is on my own desires or needs. Scripture says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” [Jer 29:13] Looking for fulfillment? It’s found ONLY in Him!!! I pray blessings over you as you search!