Religious Affections
I am reading a classic book by Jonathan Edwards entitled, Religious Affections.
In it, Edwards draws attention to the idea that “affection” is a term we don’t typically invoke until an affection reaches a certain intensity or degree, but that affections do not come into existence the moment they reach a certain magnitude, but instead are always present in various degrees.
Since we were designed to worship and enjoy God experientially, Edwards argues that we ought to be affected by God and all that proceeds from Him, as well as everything that contrasts with Him or that which proceeds from Him.
Edwards argues not only that it ought to be so, but that it is so. We are all affected, either inclined toward or averse to, our Creator and that which proceeds from Him. The magnitude may seem so slight that it borders upon indifference, or it may seem so intense that it is well-described as love or hatred. But we are at all times affected by the things of God and the things that are not of God.
At my church, we sing a song by Austin Stone called “Worth of More.” The chorus reads,
Sing, ‘Hallelujah! Praise to the Lord!’
We give you glory, yet still, You are worthy of more!
In adoration, we sing your praise!
Let every nation, with heaven, proclaim,
‘All the glory, glory, glory is Yours!
You are worthy, worthy, worthy of more!’
This song is a staple in my household. It envisions a reality where all creation in heaven and on earth are united in the highest magnitude of affection for the highest king. We love singing it because it elevates our affection for King Jesus.
John Piper, a modern-day Jonathan Edwards in his own right, built a ministry on this simple declaration: “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” I have come to believe this. We are oriented toward that which affects us the most greatly. Our time, attention, words, actions, money, service, obedience, and yes, our worship, will be oriented toward that which has our highest affections. We most magnify the glory of God when we are satisfied in Him.
Our good Lord knew this when he reminded us in Matthew 22:37-38, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Do you know what things stir your affection for God? Do you know the things that contend for your affections? How might you orient your day around that which lifts your heart toward your God?
