In the past year or so I have begun collecting miniature hosta plants. I have always liked hostas and never imagined that there were so many types. They come in dwarf, small, medium, large, very large and some sizes in between. I am particularly jazzed about the dwarf and small varieties. At present I have six different varieties and they are all unique and special in their own way. The smallest hostas that I have are named “Tiny Tears” and “Surprised by Joy”. The leaves on the full grown “Tiny Tears” are about the size of a silver half dollar. I got my “Tiny Tears” last summer and babied it over the winter just as instructed. In the past week, it has repaid me by sending out the beginning of a beautiful small bloom. I am eagerly waiting for blooms to appear on the other five varieties later in the summer.
Someone asked me recently as we stood and looked at my hosta plants which one was my favorite. After giving it some thought I replied, “I’m not sure I have a favorite. I simply adore them all.”
I began thinking about how very like hostas you and I are. God created each of us differently even though we all are humans. We all look different just like my hostas. We each have our own unique qualities and quirks. Some of us “bloom” or produce fruit early and some “bloom” later in life. Some of us are “tiny” or “dwarf-like” in our faith, while others are “large” in our faith.
What do you think God would say if He were asked about man, “Which one is your favorite?” I believe that God would say the very same thing that I said about my hostas. There is no evidence in the word of God that He has favorites. In Zechariah 2: 8, God called Israel “the apple of His eye” and I am certain that description extends to those of us who have trusted in Jesus as their Savior. All of those who belong to Christ are God’s favorites—the apple of His eye.
I do believe that although God doesn’t have favorites within the body of Christ, He does have intimates—those to whom He speaks and those through whom He works. How do we become an “intimate” with God? Undoubtedly, it is through spending time with Him. Isn’t that how every friendship grows and matures? When you and I spend time listening to God through reading His Word, prayer, and meditation we are getting to know Him better which results in a closer relationship with Him. When we talk to Him and attempt to live our lives to please Him, our intimacy with Christ blossoms.
Jesus had “intimates” among his disciples. Peter, James, and John experienced things that none of the other disciples experienced. Was that because Jesus liked them better? I think not. I believe it was simply because they pursued their relationship with Him and they believed in Him.
Now let me ask you a question. Are you an “intimate” of Jesus Christ’s or are you simply an acquaintance? It truly is up to you and you alone. Think about the answer to that question and then begin today pursuing that intimate relationship with the lover of your soul.
