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One thing I’ve noticed about my youngest sister is her unwavering desire to stay close to our mother. Whether we're in the living room or any other part of the house, she clings to her, choosing to sit as close as possible, even when there are other more comfortable or spacious options around. It's as if being near to our mother is more important than anything else, no matter the discomfort.
This made me think: Can we say the same about our relationship with God? Do we desire to stay close to Him, even when it’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, or when the world offers seemingly better, more attractive options? Can we prioritize closeness with Him, regardless of what others might think or how difficult the journey may seem?
Staying Close to God Despite Discomfort
In the same way my sister chooses proximity to our mother over comfort, God calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him, even when the world offers alternatives that seem more comfortable or appealing. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Following God’s will sometimes requires sacrifice, and it may not always be the easiest path. Yet, choosing to remain close to Him is worth more than anything the world could offer.
The world is full of distractions—comfort, success, and popularity—but as believers, we are called to fix our eyes on Christ. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Staying close to God often means we must ignore the temptations and distractions that try to pull us away.
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Like Little Children
My sister’s childlike desire to be near to our mother reminds me of Jesus' teaching about children. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” He wasn’t referring to childish behavior but to the pure, trusting nature of a child. Children are dependent on their parents, trusting them without reservation. In the same way, we are called to trust God completely, drawing near to Him without hesitation or fear.
As we grow older, life’s challenges and disappointments can harden our hearts. We may become less willing to trust, holding onto grudges or dwelling on past hurts. But Jesus calls us to maintain that childlike purity in our hearts. We are to forgive others, love selflessly, and rely on Him fully. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Clinging to God No Matter the Cost
To stay close to God, we must sometimes make difficult choices, just as my sister chooses to sit near our mother no matter the discomfort. Following God may cost us friendships, comfort, or even success by the world’s standards. Yet, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” When we prioritize our relationship with God, everything else falls into place.
The Apostle Paul understood this well. In Philippians 3:8, he writes, “What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” Paul knew that the temporary comforts and achievements of this world were nothing compared to the eternal reward of staying close to Christ.
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Remaining in God’s Will
Being in God’s will is the most secure place we can be, even when it doesn’t seem comfortable. Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may discern God’s perfect will. Just as my sister finds security near my mother, we find ultimate peace when we stay in the center of God’s will, even if other options seem more appealing at the time.
Remaining close to God requires faith and trust that His plans are better than anything we could come up with on our own. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” When we stay close to Him, we can rest assured that we are in His hands, walking the path He has laid out for us.
Conclusion: A Heart Like a Child
In a world full of distractions and temptations, God calls us to stay close to Him, like a child clinging to their parent. It may not always be the most comfortable or convenient choice, but it is the right one. Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Let us ask God for the grace to trust Him wholeheartedly, to stay close to Him no matter what the world offers, and to maintain a heart that is pure and childlike. May we always find comfort and security in His presence, knowing that being in His will is far more valuable than anything the world can give.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8
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Disclaimer : all the parts of the story or deductions from it might not be specifically or accurately so, but i hope you get the message we are trying to pass.
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