If we were transported to Heaven today, would we be surprised at the personality of God? Would we stare at Jesus and feel like we had a misinformed view of him on earth?
Contemporary Christians often sway to the innuendos of the secular world. We may have been taught that there is a Hell and that we must work on our faith. We may even have started our faith with classes on God’s mercy and grace coupled with our responsibility to live a righteous life. But somewhere along the way we moved out of alignment with the Heavenly Vision. When a non-christian complains about the rules of faith, we become embarrassed and shy away from the truths we live by.
God is not mean. He never has been. But God does require obedience. He requires that we follow His rules and that we strive to meet His goals. We can’t change that. We are not God. If we want to stay in the good graces of God, we have responsibilities and work to do. Work does not bring about Salvation and by the same token the grace of salvation does not eliminate our responsibilities or our need to work on our personal actions and faith.
Yet, how many times have you been afraid to acknowledge a Biblical commandment because it might make you seem judgmental or determined? For example, the Bible does NOT say we shouldn’t judge situations. What Paul does say (Matthew 7:1-5) if you read four more verses, is that when we judge we MUST be careful to judge properly. If our judgement is overly harsh or if it is tainted with personal motives, that same harsh judgement will be used on our sins. In other words, we have the right to judge sin, but…it is a sin to misjudge anyone.
How often do Christians avoid confrontations about sin by misusing the quote, “Do not judge…”
If we simply quote the statements of faith that we hold so dear, non-christians may say – “That’s not showing the love of God. That’s not a God I would want to serve.” Instead of allowing God to handle their interpretation of his nature, we feel obligated to come to the rescue and make God look better by watering down his commandments.
Contemporary Christians often feel that we have to “re-package” God so He will be acceptable to this sick and depraved world. That is not our job! God can take care of himself. God does not need us to smooth over the feelings of the non-christian and make Him more appealing.
In fact, that is contrary to how God works. Many times He uses the rejection of non-Christians to bring about conviction and the desire to change. If we muddle the situation with an untrue view of the power and commandments of God – that person may never feel the need to repent.
Lately, I am very aware that my responsibility is to be the best Christian I can be. I am compelled to pray for others and to have compassion for their pain. I am to be kind when it’s possible yet determined to hold on to Biblical truth when necessary.
In every situation with either friends, family or a confrontation with a non-believer – it is my duty to support the representation of the Biblical Heavenly Father. It is my job to be the very best person I can be, to love God with all my heart and then to pray for God to take over and be present in the situation.
At that point I need to question my own motives….”Is this God? Are these my thoughts and feelings? Is this my will or His?”
If my answer is, “No, it’s just me and my own fears” then it’s time to go back to my knees and get in alignment with God. I am sure my year will be better when I allow God to handle His own marketing while I simply strive to do his will and to grow into a better Christian.
With God….all things are possible.