In the past, I’ve written about Brother Jack Tichenor, one of my pastoral mentors who challenged me to love Jesus “with a sweetheart love.” Seldom did he pray for me without using those same words, and I’ve never forgotten them. This saying is, in fact, one of those leadership statements that echo in my head. As Pam and I approach our 30thanniversary in a few months, I’m reminded today of what a “sweetheart love” for Jesus looks like:
- Your world changes because of Him. It’s amazing how many plans we change, how many adjustments we make, and how many goals we re-set when we fall in love with somebody.
- You just want to be with Him. Like an earthly sweetheart love, you don’t even care what you do. You just want to be with somebody.
- In fact, you can’t wait to be with Him. You think about Him often, and the busyness of the day doesn’t divert your attention from Him.
- You want to know everything about Him. That desire drives you to His Word, where you learn about His loves, His expectations, His plans, and His heart. Everything about Him fascinates you.
- Your heart leaps when you hear His voice. His Word is true and transformative, and it’s incredible to know He speaks to us through it. Few things are as powerful as hearing from Him.
- Not only do you want to hear from Him, but you also want to talk to Him. Again, the content of the conversation doesn’t matter; you just want to hang out and talk. Indeed, the conversation goes on throughout the day.
- You want to please Him. In fact, nothing delights you like when your choices and affections please Him. His joy is your joy.
- You grieve when you displease Him. I don’t want to upset folks in general, but I especially don’t want to displease Pam. I don’t always get there—and I hurt when I don’t—but I want my actions to show her how much I truly love her.
- You talk about Him. A lot. I’m sure I drove other people crazy talking about Pam when we first met and fell in love. It was as if I couldn’t help it—the words just came out of me . . . .
- You want to be with Him forever. It’s not that you want to be with Him just today; it’s that you commit to Him forever, seeking to grow in your knowledge of Him and your love for Him. The prospect of eternity with Him is exciting.
What about you? Do you love Christ with a “sweetheart love”?
What a good word!! Thank.
Brother Jack Tichenor was a special man. Remember him preaching with one hand up in the air.