FIT FOR MY BRIDEGROOM
by Mariane Holbrook

“Most Christians do not have fellowship WITH God;
they have fellowship with other Christians ABOUT God.”

Reading these words, I bowed my head and wept at the stark realization that I had neglected my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Completely consumed by others, I had ignored the Lover of my Soul.

How many times a day have I told my family or friends about Jesus, about His virtues, His holiness, His power to transform us from abject sinners into men and women who reflect the character and nature of Jesus Himself? I'm ashamed to admit how infrequent.

How many hours do we as born again believers spend alone with Him, telling Him of our love and devotion to Him, jealously guarding that time together because we feel we cannot face the vagaries of life without it or without Him?

How many times have we written His holy name in loving script on the tender, fluttering pages of our hearts, thrilled at just the sight of His name: Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, the most beautiful name on earth.

Until very recently, the preponderance of today’s hymn books were ABOUT God rather than songs of worship TO God. He, I’m sure, enjoys corporate worship about his attributes but even more must He thrill to one of His children sequestered in a closet, focused only on Him, singing the love songs of the Psalms to Him.

How many times do we clutch His Word to our hearts, thrilled at “the wonder of it all.” Such love letters are beyond our comprehension. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV) All we can do is tell Him, “Thank You for loving me and 
permitting me to love You in return. With my whole heart, I adore You and worship You.”

How much time are we setting aside to be clothed in His righteousness, the bridal gowns we’ll wear at the great Marriage Supper of the Lamb? How much dross are we willingly and systematically removing from our lives to make us fit for our bridegroom? How much preparation is being made in our hearts for the most magnificent wedding ever known in heaven or on earth?

I don’t want to be ashamed at His coming, wishing I’d spent more time alone with Him, comfortable in His presence.