The Greatest Commandment

            

     I find it strange how we’re never quite taught how to do one of the greatest things that we can ever do on earth. Somehow our parents assume we will learn on our own. It’s expected to come natural, as easy as walking and talking. But it doesn’t come quite that natural. It takes dying to learn how to do it. It takes constantly seeking His will. This supernatural thing that I’m referring to is LOVE.

     According to the American Psychological Association, the divorce rate in America sits at 40 to 50 percent. Marriage is an institution built on love, but why are they failing at such a large rate? Is love that disposable? Well love isn’t, but lust is. People condition themselves to give false in dating relationships. We fall in “love” with one another until someone makes the other person mad or cheats, then those feelings of love are gone. I would definitely say not to put up with cheating in a dating relationship, but many of the reasons that people break up for while dating are for terrible reasons. We use the stage of life that should help prepare us for marriage, but sometimes actually serves as a detriment to our development. The world’s definition of love is so shallow only because we don’t follow the correct example. We spend 12+ of our years in life learning so many skills to help us prepare for life, but how much time do we spend learning about love. On their wedding day, the beautiful bride walks down the aisle look as beautiful as she could ever look in her white dress. Her groom anxiously awaits her so that he can take her away. These two lovers announce their vows to one another, confessing their undying love for each other. Then 5-6 years later the love wilts and the marriage is dissolved. Is love really this conditional, this temporary? For some people I wonder how do they throw those vows away so easily. Or did they ever really know what true love was.

     I bet I could ask 10 different people what love is and get 10 different answers. But love has one source. That one source is God. I know most of us can remember our first “love”. We thought that were so madly in love and that the romance would last forever. Those were the intentions until someone stopped putting in the effort. They fell out of love. This is the first misconception we have about love. It’s not something that you fall into, you grow into love. Most of the reasons for failed love is due to a weak relationship with God on the behalf of someone. We don’t love Him enough, so how can we ever love the other person?

     

     People are naturally born as selfish individuals. We want what we want and don’t care how it affects others. As a child our parents have to break us from this behavior, but they can’t take all of the selfishness out of us. That’s where we have to play our part and seek God. All cases of failed love boil down to one thing. They are due to selfishness. A person cheats because they let their sexual desires get the best of them, a spouse is abusive because they are controlled by anger, a spouse sends all of the couple’s money because they are looking at how the things bought will make them feel. Couples fail to communicate or have unmet expectations. No matter what the reason may be it ultimately boils down to selfishness. The only way we can combat this is through God.

     I know by now you’re probably tired of me saying God is the answer with no explanation, so wait no more! Let me explain. To know what love is we have to plug into the source. We have to learn about love through studying God’s Word. God said, “If you love me, keep my commands” ~ John 14:15. That’s the first step to losing all selfishness. In order to love God we have to put our own desires aside. Turn to John 3: 30-35. We must seek God’s will for guidance and allow Him to work on us. Growing in love with God isn’t easy, but it is the only way that we can have meaningful relationships. In doing this we won’t do what we think is best for others, but what we know is best. I look at one of the most powerful verses in the Bible to me, which seems to sum up the entire book to me. ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.³⁸ This is the first and great commandment.³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets ~ Matthew 22:37-40. That is pretty much the entirety of our relationship with Christ. We must love in order to open ourselves up to be willing to obey the commands that Christ has for us. Without it we will only seek to gratify ourselves. This commitment must be firm and everlasting. I know nearly everyone is familiar with John 3:16, but do we realize how much love is shown in this verse:

¹⁶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

     In church one Sunday, so much was revealed to me about this verse. When you dissect it, you will begin to see an extraordinary example of what it is to love. The first thing I notice is that God sacrificed His only son, not someone else’s son or only one of His sons. This was his only one. When you have only one of something you cherish it, you never want to let it go. God did the exact opposite of what is natural and showed us selflessness. No one took Jesus. God did it willingly. Then I look at who he gave His son up for. He gave him up for whosoever believes in Him, so He gave his son up for a bunch of people He knew would need Him for everlasting life. This is the only way that we could receive everlasting life, so this tells us that love will do whatever it takes no matter what the cost! Another thing I look at from this verse is there is no way to repay someone for losing a child. God created this world and everything in it, so what could we ever offer Him that He can’t get himself. You’re right, nothing! God loves us knowing that there is truly nothing we can do to repay him or equal His sacrifice. Love doesn’t seek a reward. God gave up His son so that we may have a chance at eternal life. Jesus chose to die for us. He looked at our hearts, our actions, and saw us as sick, needy, weak, sinful, blind, lost. So when your spouse is being unlovable that’s when you should be the most lovable towards them. Look at Matthew 5:46: ”For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?”. Anyone can love someone when things are going good, but how do you react when someone is hurtful towards you? That’s the real sign of love. We have come to know love as this euphoric feeling that comes only when a person is pleasant. We have to have a deeper knowledge of love than that. Then we come to the famous 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. I think most of us try to sum up love with this one passage, but as evidenced by the scriptures above that can’t be done. As a matter of fact it would be impossible for me to write all the scriptures pertaining to love in this short blog. The whole Bible, our whole relationship with God is built on the principle of love. 1 John 5:3 tells us to keep His commands. They won’t kill us or hurt us. They are here for our protection. We obey God out of love, not fear or to get a reward. John 13: 34-35 tells us to love one another as Jesus loved us. This doesn’t only relate to a married couple, but this should be how we treat everyone. This doesn’t only relate to a married couple, but this should be how we treat everyone. We should help when it’s not a favorable situation for us, give when it hurts, and do what’s right for the benefit of others. Just imagine if everyone was this selfless. Friendships and relationships would last forever. Nothing can go wrong when people always are expressing these qualities towards one another.

     

     Before I end, I want to go back to 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8. To truly love in this way we have to grow in our relationship with God. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and we can only get it from God (1 John 4:8). It involves unselfish service to other; to show it gives evidence that you care. Love is an action and a choice, not simply a feeling. Only God can help us set aside our own desires and instincts so we can love naturally and freely. I wish that all married couples would meditate on verse 8 daily. LOVE NEVER FAILS. God’s love for us won’t fail and our love for others shouldn’t neither. To end this message, I hope that this touches someone’s life. It truly breaks my heart to see couples who have spent years together separate. You not only hurt yourselves. Most of the time children are hurt and you hurt the community as well. The negative image that divorce and failed love portrays hurts those who have hope in love. If a person is immature about love, they will view these examples as the norm for how love should be. So build your marriage or dating relationship on Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11 gives us this:

¹¹ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1. I hope you gained these key points from this post:
2. Love is a sacrifice.
3.  Love wants the best for you.
4.  Love is giving.
5.  Love is a choice.
6.  We can only come to truly love by growing closer to Jesus.
7.  Love is selfless.
8. Love doesn’t fade in bad times.
9.  Love is God’s greatest command for us.
10.  Love never fails.

Seeking Wisdom

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

I look at this picture and I see a young boy looking to his father for guidance. Why do some of us lose this concept as we grow older? There's so much about wisdom in the book of Proverbs. I felt these were very important scriptures to share. With myself and so many of my peers graduating college looking to find our direction in life, we need to keep these verses in mind. We all can recall a time when we were teenagers and thought we knew what was best. Our parents didn't know what we were going through. They'd never understand. How could we be so foolish! I hear young adults everyday feel like they have to live a trial and error life. God gave us a blueprint for life. All we have to do is humble ourselves to accept it. I'm so glad that I've  usually been one to heed directions and take advice from elders. We feel that being a teenager or young adult and not knowing any better, it's okay to make mistakes. Some mistakes are inevitable, but so many can be avoided if we humble ourselves and seek wise counsel. We neglect God's Word on making wise decisions. God gave us parents and grandparents for a reason. You never get too old for your parents' advice. No wise parent will throw their child to the wolves as soon as they turn 18 or give them bad advice. We feel like older people can't relate to our situation, but Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us that there is "nothing new under the sun." To say there is nothing new under the sun does not ignore inventions or advances in technology; rather, these innovations do not amount to any basic change in the world. In Solomon’s time, many advances took place in society, but, from the larger perspective of life, human nature has remained and always will remain the same.

Since there is nothing new under the sun they can relate to whatever we may be going through. Your situation isn't too far-fetched to get help from a parent, relative, or other wise individual. 

Most mistakes can be avoided if we slow down and stop thinking we have to do things on our own. Every generation shouldn't make the same mistakes. So as we go out into the world, listen and learn from older WISER people when it comes to aspects pertaining to finances, your career, family, and growing spiritually. Life is hard enough without adding the extra stress of thinking you have to go through it alone. Remember God didn't leave an area of your life uncovered in the Bible. He set us up for success. All we have to do is seek Him and be willing to obey. 

The explanation of Proverbs 11:14 in my Study Bible reads: a good leader needs and uses wise counsellors. One person's perspective and understanding is severely limited; he or she may not have all the facts or my be blinded by bias, emotions, or wrong impressions. To be a wise leader at home, church, or at work, seek the counsel of others and be one to their advice. Then after considering all the facts, make your decision. 

Wait for the Ring

One of the biggest challenges in today's society is abstaining from sex, but it is possible. Unfortunately, I'm not a virgin but I have been celibate every since my first sexual partner. Sex is such a big thing that is often taken so lightly. It not only affects you physically, but mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We often abuse sex and not use it the way that God intended it to be used. Sex outside of marriage always hurts someone. It may be one of the two people, but ultimately it hurts God. If I can be transparent, the times that I had sex meant a lot to me. I saw it as a way to bond, but that true bond couldn't be achieved outside of marriage. I had so many regrets about it when my girlfriend broke up with me. I was giving a very special part of myself away. Sex is as much spiritual as it is physical.

In our society it is considered acceptable to have had a number of sexual partners before marriage. This way of thinking is also prevalent within the church, in which case they are called "mistakes", forgiven as easily as telling a white lie. But in the Bible losing your virginity is far more serious than a simple mistake like telling a lie. How do we think Adam and Eve were married? There was no priest to do a ceremony and say "I now pronounce you man and wife" and sign a piece of paper. They became married by the first act of intercourse!

Here is the point: a person is married in God's eyes to the person they first have sex with. The bible teaches that the two become one flesh. Blood seals covenants, and the flow of blood seals the marriage covenant with that person for life. As Jesus taught, God joins two people together through the act of intercourse (Not when a priest says " I now pronounce you husband and wife" in a marriage ceremony!):

Mar 10:8 And the two of them shall be one flesh. So then they are no longer two, but one flesh.

Mar 10:9 Therefore what God has joined together, let not man put apart.

Why is this an issue? Because any subsequent sexual partners (whether you legally marry them or not) are in reality committing adultery as you are already married to your first sexual partner in God's eyes. The bible teaches that if a man has sex with a virgin he is obligated to marry her and not divorce her for the rest of his life, whether he or she likes it or not (see scriptures below).


Exo 22:16 "If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, he must pay the bride price for her and marry her.

Deu 22:28 If a man finds a girl, a virgin not engaged, and lays hold on her, and lies with her, and they are found,


Deu 22:29 then the man who lay with her shall give to the girl's father fifty shekelsof silver, and she shall be his wife. Because he has humbled her, he may not put her away all his days.

Paul also stressed the importance of marrying a virgin:

1Co 7:36 But if anyone thinks it behaving himself indecently toward his virgin (if she is past her prime, and so it ought to be) let him do what he will; he does not sin; let them marry. 
and also taught that you become one flesh with the person you sleep with, even if it is a prostitute:

1Co 6:16 Or do you not know that he being joined to a harlot is one body? For He says, The two shall be one flesh.

Be warned - in the bible there is no difference whether the first time 'meant anything ' or not, whether it was a moment of weakness or planned intent, and there is no difference between whether it's done with a prostitute or a stranger or someone you are deeply in love with - the person you first have sex with, you are married to! But I'll get back to this later...

Now why is it important for a Christian man or woman to seek a virgin husband or wife? :

The bible says that temple priests were not allowed to marry non-virgins:

Lev 21:7 They shall not take a wife who is a whore, or defiled. Neither shall they take a woman put away from her husband. For he is holy to his God.

Eze 44:22 Nor shall they take for their wives a widow nor her who is put away. But they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow who had a priest before.

And because Christians are priests in the service of God the same applies to christians:
Rev 1:6 and made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

But how to escape this life-long marriage to your first sexual partner?

Simply, you must die, because the only way in which the marriage covenant is broken is through death:

Rom 7:2 For the married woman was bound by law to the living husband. But if the husband is dead, she is set free from the law of her husband.

To die, you must come to Christ and be cleansed and reborn as a new creature through baptism and you re-gain your virginity, in Christ (see Romans 6),

Col 3:3 For you died, and your life has been hidden with Christ in God.

You die, you are re-born, you are made alive again, you are given new life, and so you are unmarried from your first sexual partner through death, and a chaste virgin to be married to Christ! : 

Rom 7:4 So, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ so that you should be married to Another, even to Him raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God.

And because you will be married to Christ, you are a virgin again and a completely new unmarried person:

2Co 11:2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present youas a chaste virgin to Christ.

2Co 5:17 So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

This post isn't to condemn anyone, because we all have done wrong. But I do hope that it encourages you to stop having sex if you are engaging in it. It is hard to remain celibate especially on college campuses and with friends pressuring you, but I hope that this gives someone the encouragement to know that they're not alone. We understand that it is very hard to find someone who is a virgin, but we should look for someone who has a strong relationship with Christ and has repented from all of their sexual sin. Waiting until after marriage is so worth it. You're not missing anything by engaging in sex before: heartbreak, STDs, pregnancy. It's NOT worth it. Being able to give your spouse a gift that no one or only a few have had and being able to honor God have to be some of the most rewarding feelings ever. Wait, you're worth so much more!! 

My All Goes To You

Your body is like a diamond,

It's so valuable and fragile.

I'll never try to cause it harm,

I'll treat it as if it were my own.

If your feet hurt,

I'll rub them with my hands until they're better.

If your body is sore,

Once I'm done it'll hurt no more.

I'll rub your thighs,

I'll massage your neck.

I'll keep you warm,

I'll give you my time and always show you respect.

If you feel alone,

I want to comfort you with my heart and warmth.

I'll never abandon you,

Because you're my good luck charm.

Instead of catering to me, 

I think I should cater to you.

You're an angel from above,

And I want to show you the definition of true love.

I'll give you the clothes off my back,

Just to show you I'm for real.

And if you're hurting emotionally,

I'll comfort you until your heart heals.

If you've had a long, stressful, and hard day,

I'll give you a massage to take your pain away.

I will listen to you cause I want to know what gets on your nerves,

So it will help me to give you encouraging words.

I can't stand to see you cry,

So I'll never bring you pain.

I'll shower you with sunshine,

And try to shelter you from the rain.

Calling you out of your name is something I'll never do,

But if I were to call you a goddess, I'll simply be telling the truth.

As the years go by I won't criticize your body,

I'll hold it as I always have and remind you that you're still a hottie.

Before I try to hurt you,

I'll inflict pain on myself.

You're so special to me, 

And all I want to do is give you my help.

I'll be patient with you and learn all about you that there is to know, 

Because I'm in this for a lifetime and I want our love to continue to grow.

Baby, I promise I'll never let you go,

I'll be here for the good times and bad, sunshine, rain, or snow.

If I were to die today, 

I'd wish to spend my last moments caring for you.

But if your life was on the line,

I'd give up mines for you.

Let me protect you,  and I promise I'll never neglect you,

More than anything I'll try to make you happy and I'll pray with you.

So as long as you're in my life my loyalty will remain true, 

And I’ll always, always give my heart and soul to you.

By: Demanuel Cournell Guice

Finding My Way

     I’m currently a college student pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. Long before I attended college I thought I knew what it was that I wanted to do with my life. Growing up, I worked with my dad with his logging business. While that wasn't exactly what I wanted to do, I did know that I wanted a career that involved working outdoors and with my hands. My father had a big influence on me wanting to pursue this type of career. That’s why I decided upon construction management as my first college major.

  After graduating high school I joined the Air Force, and during this time I began taking college courses. As I began to take more and more courses I began to have a change of heart over time. I constantly thought of changing my major. I wasn’t sure what else that I would do though. I felt that an office job just wasn't for me. One of my biggest desires has always been to help others. In school I always help others with difficult assignments and I just like to show empathy for others who are having a bad time. I thought about teaching and I discussed this with one of my old high school teachers, but I never changed my major. I continued to pursue my construction degree until I was released from active duty. After my discharge, I changed my major to nursing. I know that this job would allow me to help others and I’d also get paid well from it. So I started taking classes in this major, and as I got ready to attend nursing school I was put on the wait list. This along with other things made me begin to think that this wasn’t what I should do. My sister would often tell me about her experience as a nurse and I felt uncomfortable with it. Dealing with patients who have terminal illnesses and seeing people in pain that they may not recover from is something that I don’t want to face. So I changed my major back to construction. I still wasn’t content with this decision. For over a year, I prayed on whether I should do teaching or psychology. This was a hard decision in that I only had one year left to graduate with a bachelor’s in construction, but if I changed majors I’d have at least two. But I prayed about it and the answer that I received was to follow my heart.
The main reason that I was so unsure of teaching is because of the salary. But I was constantly reminded that life isn’t all about money. I think about my legacy and I want it to be one that is greatly admired. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus”. We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth, he will always supply. Whatever we need in heaven he will supply. We must remember, however the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to live with lots of material things. We often tie money to success. We may not get all that we want. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him. What gives me the desire to teach is to be able to help shape and mold a young impressionable mind. I had some great elementary teachers who had a great impact on my life and I want to have that same impact on someone else. I receive great happiness when someone who I’ve spoken to can come to me later and tell me that my advice really helped. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”.

     My time in the military was a blessing in so many ways. Growing up with a father who was present in my life is also another thing that I’m thankful for. I met so many guys who couldn’t do simple things like check oil in a car or change a tire. Not all young males are fortunate enough to have someone to teach them these things. This is what inspired me to be a teacher. A teacher does so much more than provide academic education. A teacher must be a counselor, teach morals and ethics, provide a spiritual influence, and be an extension of he child’s parents, providing love and care to them. So when that young man needs help in tying a tie, treating others with respect, or how to work hard, I can be the example that he needs.

     When you find God’s purpose for your life it will feel natural. When you discover who you were designed to be and live in it, you feel free. When this happens, the money you need to live finds you. Align your desires with your natural gift. God has given seven natural gifts to man. They are: preaching, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy (Romans 12:6-8). Determine your gift by understanding the effect it has in someone’s life. Different gifts cause different effects in people. By identifying with effect brings you the most joy, you can understand your gift. When you identify your own gifts, ask how you can use them to build up God’s family.

Earned, Not Given

Earned, Not Given

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child,

When I became a man, I gave up childish things.

So what gives me the privilege of being considered a man?

It’s not simply just because I’m a male, I must abide by God’s plan.

I believe the title of man isn’t given, it must be earned,

Before I deserve such a title there are some things that I must learn.

I’m not defined by my clothes or the money in my bank account,

My ability and efforts to make a difference in the world are far more paramount.

Just as iron sharpens iron, let me sharpen another,

I want to see us all succeed, and be a blessing to one another.

Let my actions have a positive impact on the community,

So that I may bring everyone together in perfect unity.

Am I a man because I use and abuse what I have in my pants,

Do I need to sleep with plenty of women to prove that I’m a man?

Being faithful to one woman shows the proper self control,

Love and protect that woman and let marriage be the goal.

It brings me great honor knowing that I must protect and lead my family,

I take great pride in knowing that I’m entrusted with the responsibility of teaching my children values such as faith, love, and honesty.

Can I keep my word and do as I say,

Do I respect others and work honestly for my pay?

Mental toughness is mainly what separates a man from a child, 

A man is faithful to the truth, brave in the face of opposition, and persistent through trials.

Focus is key in order for him to endure the storm and never lose heart,

When you allow God to make you a man, times may get tough, but you’ll never fall apart.

More than just a chiseled frame, I have God in my heart,

So when I don’t engage in trivial things, the world can see that I’ve been set apart.

I am strong, but my strength is in my intellect,

You see, God gave me my mind as my most valuable asset.

Most of all, a man must have faith in God and not in his own way,

I can not do any of these things on my own, so I humbly kneel before God, and I pray.

No more childish games, let each new day bring about growth in me,

I am evolving, and I'm striving, to be the best Man that I can be. 

By: Demanuel Cournell Guice

Taken for Granted

"For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries." (Hebrews 10:26-27)

Why do we treat our earthly relationships better than our relationship with God? How can we hurt God but expect Him to readily forgive us but we want to our spouses, family members, and friends to treat us properly? Sometimes I believe we take God for granted. I know that I have taken advantage of His grace too many times. That’s not love. You don’t love someone that you purposely hurt. Why is it that we require consistency, faithfulness, and blessings from God but we don’t do the same in return? We fornicate, lie, steal, hold grudges, and so many other things that we know displease God. We as Christians have to do better. I myself have been guilty of doing wrong and before I do it I say, “It’ll be alright, God will forgive me”, or I hear people say, “God knows my heart.” No one is perfect and never will be, but we could all put forth a little more effort in following God’s Word. God says if you love me then you will keep my commands. Don’t make excuses to fulfill the desires of your flesh. In order for our relationship with God to grow we have to turn from what benefits us and be obedient to God’s Word. There’s no way we should hear the Word on Sunday and on Monday we’re committing a sin that we just were instructed no to. We hate when people take our kindness for weakness but we do that exact thing to God.
There has to come a time in your life where you stop asking what God can do for you and ask Him what you can do for Him. Being a Christian, I had to ask myself this question. So many of us turn to God only when we need something, we want to be spiritually fed or physically blessed with material things. Messages of prosperity are all that we want to hear. We’re quick to say that we’re God-fearing, when in actuality we don’t give God our all. We don’t look for new ways to love God, to grow with Him, to take his yoke upon us and learn. So many things that hurt God that we’ve accepted as right or okay, and we feel its still okay to come to God and ask for blessing after blessing. Why should He continue to bless us if we don’t show our appreciation for what we already have? We attend church every Sunday to hear about the blessings that God wants to bestow upon us, but do we ever think about the sacrifices we must make to have them? As my relationship has grown with God, it breaks my heart to say that I love God but only think of my own selfish needs when I talk to Him. I know that I can’t continually sin and say that I love God. Think of your relationship with God the same as you think of your relationship with your significant other. Is it love if you constantly cheat on this person, disrespect them, and do things that you know displeases them just because you know that they’ll still be by your side? Our relationship with God should be the same way. It breaks my heart that for so many years that I said I loved God, but I’d lie, cheat, steal, fornicate, and do all these other things that broke God’s heart. And the reason I felt I was ok is because I felt nobody’s perfect, we all sin. Sure we all sin, but if I show no signs of repentance and constantly repeat my wrongful behavior, then my love for God isn’t as strong as it should be.There’s no way to justify sin if you truly love God. “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). We should challenge one another to put away our sinful behavior and not remain comfortable in it. We often say we make mistakes because we are meant to, but I disagree. God gave us directions for life but we choose not to seek Him by spending time in His Word to learn how we should live. So I encourage you to not try to justify your sin, but ask God to come into your heart and give you the conviction you need to turn away from your sinful ways. The next time you pray for something, ask God what can you do to show that you can handle that blessing. So many of us want the paycheck before we’ve put in any labor. Our God is not a fairy, love is a two way street, and in order to receive you must first be willing to give.
Another reason that led me to share this is the how the way to heaven is portrayed. Is it okay to join a church, get baptized, become saved, do right when I choose and obey the laws that I choose to, and then I’ll be taken to heaven when I die. That’s what I thought as a child. Sometimes I wonder if it’s that easy to get into heaven. Is it good enough to be saved, and only being convicted about some of God’s Laws, but never strive to mature to another level of your faith? Will God accept me if I obey his command to not steal, but I remain disobedient of his law to not gossip? As hard as it may seem I want to live a life that constantly seeks Christ in everything I do and every thought I have. This thought challenges me to continue to grow because I don’t want to take Him for granted. God is plenty merciful and forgiving but I want to be careful not to abuse His kindness. Matthew 7:13-14 says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” This scripture comes to me at times and it motivates me to go above and beyond. I don’t want to take God for granted and be denied when my eternal home is decided upon. The ways of the world may be pleasing to man and more accepted but they do not please God. They don’t offer the same promises as God does. We are to seek His approval in all of our deeds.
By no means am I saying that I’m perfect but I do strive daily and I have made progress in my faithfulness. I’m still growing and learning. Just like in a marriage, things aren’t perfect but you never give up. But you never intentionally hurt your spouse. We must do the same thing with God. We must work on the most important relationship which we so often neglect or minimize it’s importance. That’s our relationship with God. Life is hard enough when we sin unknowingly, so we should eliminate the sinful actions that we know to be. Just like you and me, I know God doesn’t like being taken for granted. Don’t let your love for God be just a quote on your Facebook wall or a bumper sticker on your car, but let it reflect in your thoughts and actions in your life. God’s grace and mercy are plentiful, but don’t abuse it. Don’t sin just because you know that He will forgive. Do your part to help the relationship grow. It would be nice to show that we’re grateful for the sacrifice that God made for us of sacrificing His only Son. Don’t abuse the gift of salvation that none of us are worthy of. God’s been by your side your entire life and will continue to be. Someone who has a love like that should be shown a little more appreciation. I hope that this challenges your thinking on sin the way that it challenges me.