Give Me More
It is not inherently wrong to want more, depending on what it is you desire. In 2 Kings 2, just before Elijah is carried up into heaven, he asks Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken from you?” (v. 9a). Elisha makes one simple request: “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit” (v. 9b). As Elijah’s apprentice, some might view Elisha’s request as a prideful attempt to surpass his teacher. However, this was not the case. Having seen what God did through Elijah, Elisha longed for a similar confirmation of God’s power and presence in his own life. His request did not stem from self-exalting ambition, but from a holy passion to magnify God. It is interesting to note that years later, Elisha performed over twice as many recorded miracles as Elijah.
This kind of spiritual hunger is also seen in Moses. He desired to experience more of God and once cried out in prayer, “I beseech Thee, shew me Thy glory!” (Exodus 33:18, KJV). Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord and declared that he would not let him go until he was blessed (Genesis 32:26). The Apostle Paul considered everything loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8). Herein lies the believer’s paradox: to be content in Christ, yet to long for more of Him; to have rivers of living water flowing within (John 4:14), yet to thirst continually for God’s glory and grace (Psalm 42:1-2).
Do you want more of Christ? More of His loving presence? More of His power, so you might be used mightily for His purposes? Perhaps you lack that longing because you are filled with the cares of this life. Perhaps your hunger is for worldly possessions and prestige instead. If so, you must repent and “set your affection on things above” (Colossians 3:2, KJV). Remember, we are to “look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV).
So, I ask you: Do you want more? More souls for God’s kingdom? More love in your heart? Ultimately, do you want more of Christ in your life?
