Since I started for the Kingdom,
Since my life He controls,
Since I gave my heart to Jesus,
The Longer I Serve Him,
The sweeter He grows.
These simple yet profound lyrics from William (Bill) Gaither’s hymn resonate with a truth many discover on their spiritual journey. There’s an inherent promise within them – a promise that serving God isn’t a stagnant duty, but a dynamic and increasingly rewarding experience. This hymn invites us to reflect on our own paths and consider a fundamental question: Does our relationship with God deepen and sweeten over time?
The Initial Spark of Faith: A Passionate Beginning
Many Christians fondly recall the fervent passion that ignited when they first embraced Christ. This period is often marked by intense prayer, a hunger for God’s Word, and an eagerness to share the Gospel. The newness of faith brings an undeniable zeal, a vibrant energy fueled by the transformative power of encountering God’s love and forgiveness. This initial phase is a beautiful and crucial foundation, setting the stage for a lifelong walk with Christ.
The Challenge of Time: Navigating Spiritual Seasons
However, as years pass, life’s complexities and routines can sometimes dim that initial flame. The urgent passion of those early days might gradually fade, replaced by a sense of familiarity that can breed spiritual complacency. We may find ourselves less fervent in prayer, less diligent in studying scripture, and less proactive in sharing our faith. The danger lies in becoming “lukewarm,” as the Bible describes, losing the very passion that once defined our walk with God. Are we allowing worldly concerns to overshadow our spiritual pursuits, taking our eternal priorities “more easily” as time goes on?
Some, unfortunately, become so accustomed to religious knowledge that their craving for God diminishes. Instead of deepening their devotion, they may slide into a casual approach to spiritual disciplines. It’s a sobering thought – are we among those who become less engaged as they learn more?
Deeper Devotion: A Lifelong Journey of Growth
Yet, there’s another path – the path of continual growth. For those who pursue it, their knowledge of God’s glory and the advancement of His Kingdom leads to a greater reverence and commitment. They cultivate a deeper seriousness in serving Him and nurture an ever-increasing hunger for His presence through consistent spiritual disciplines. This is the journey of those who understand that serving God is not a sprint but a marathon, requiring ongoing dedication and intentionality.
The apostle Paul’s words resonate powerfully here: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus!” (Philippians 3:14). This is the spirit of those who run diligently towards the finish line, whose passion for God intensifies with time. As we journey through life, growing older and drawing closer to eternity, the question becomes: Are we becoming more casual or more committed in our walk with God? Do we take our spiritual lives “more easily” or “more seriously” as we approach our ultimate destination?
Returning to First Love: A Call to Reflection
The Lord’s message to the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:4-5 serves as a pertinent reminder: “You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” This powerful exhortation calls us to examine our hearts. Have we drifted from the initial fervor of our faith? Are we still experiencing the sweetness of serving Him, or has it become routine?
The hymn lyrics prompt further reflection: “Since my life He controls…” Is Christ truly in control of our lives? Do we genuinely perceive Him as sweet? As another hymn beautifully expresses, “More about Jesus would I know, more of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.” This pursuit of deeper knowledge and experience of Jesus is key to maintaining and growing that initial sweetness.
“Ev’ry need He is supplying…” Do we recognize God’s hand in every good thing in our lives? Acknowledging His provision fosters gratitude and deepens our reliance on Him.
Ultimately, truly knowing God transcends intellectual understanding. It requires personal experience, a revelation that goes beyond church attendance or religious activities. Many know about God, but knowing God personally is a transformative encounter. As we serve Him longer, are we simply accumulating knowledge about Him, or are we actively cultivating a deeper, more intimate relationship where His sweetness becomes increasingly palpable in our lives?
Let us strive for a faith that doesn’t just endure but flourishes, where the longer we serve Him, the sweeter He truly grows, enriching every aspect of our journey.
