Valentine’s Day is a time when people take the time to acknowledge those who mean a lot to them by giving them a love note, a cute card, or things like chocolate and flowers. Regardless the sign of appreciation shown, it feels nice to be appreciated.
How would you send a Valentine to God? What would you say to show how much He means to you? Some have suggested it would be by showing up to “His services,” AKA worship service. Others might suggest, as Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you’ll keep my commandments.”
God said this was His Number One Commandment, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) In other words, “love Me more than anything else, and when you do, you’ll care to follow where I’m leading you.”
Jesus was quickly known throughout Judea as the prophet who heals people. People from all over flocked to Him wherever He was at for healing, for food, and to hear His teaching. Jesus had something that drew people to Him.
In John 7:3-7 we read of Jesus’ brothers trying to persuade Jesus to go to the feast of Booths where He was sure to have a following there. But they were mocking Him, since they really didn’t believe He was who He claimed. They said, “Leave here and go to Judea, that Your disciples also may see the works You are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” But Jesus didn’t go.
He wanted people to be genuinely attracted to Him, not just because of His miracles. Today it’s not different. God wants people to be genuinely attracted to Him for who He is and what He offers us. Statistics show that people consider worship to be nothing more than an empty religious ceremony. With each generation, the devotion to what Christ promoted becomes less visible.
Thankfully, what Jesus taught and demonstrated in His life is still attractive to people today. Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve, He came to seek and save the lost, and He came to be a light for people in dark places. We too have been given a similar commission to the people around us.
To be attractive to a lost and confused world, we must be genuine, we must be compassionate, bold, courageous, and—most importantly—loving. Living in that way shows appreciation for God and sends Him a true Valentine.
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