So, what’s your world view? Do you believe in God? If so, is He a loving father or harsh taskmaster who is waiting for your next bad move? How about creation, heaven & hell? These historic questions are still relevant today. In fact, they are actually very much, open questions in today’s modern Western culture. People are pretty open and want to discuss where they are on their spiritual journey’s. It’s as vast of a topic as our minds can imagine, yet the reality is that it is played-out in the choices and decisions we make every single day. Everyone is or has asked—What, who, and why is God? And if He exists, does He really know or care about me?
I have a friend (I’ll call him Chip) who’s primary world view is that there is no God. Chip has explored many philosophical paths, and at one time in his journey had believed in God’s existence. As well, that God had sent His son Jesus to earth as a modern representative of God’s love. Chip started to follow a popular contemporary author and church pastor for a few years who basically taught that the grace that was given by Jesus was for everyone, and therefore everyone would someday make it to heaven. Once entered into the afterlife, one could receive rewards or favor for being a good person while on earth. But an eternal hell, and the fact that God could be in any way responsible for sending anyone to such a terrible place, that could not exist. For several years Chip believed in God and heaven but rejected any teachings of hell or sin. Eventually however, Chip continued to question many other Biblical based theological views and doctrinal beliefs. Finally, he was so overwhelmed with unanswered questions, Chip resolved that it was so much more logical to simply believe that God does not exist.
As one who loves the Lord Jesus, and holds scripture (the Bible) near and dear to my heart, it bothers me greatly whenever I hear that someone has rejected the love and saving grace of Christ that is available to them. What went wrong? Obviously, my friend had started to follow a Christian leader who was advocating an “all grace message,” and that there were no consequences or need for repentance in life. (Hey, it’s a novel idea…but purely not Scriptural. Jesus himself, referenced Hell very frequently.) But were there other areas where perhaps the church (Gods people) failed in a true representation of Jesus to Chip? Was he misguided as a child? Was it grandma’s dry religion, or some modern day pharisees who influenced him? What went wrong, and where did it start to go South?
I went to the Lord in prayer over Chip, and I was asking Him to help me understand what went wrong in Chips journey. What was the “crack in the door,” which eventually allowed him to come to the point of complete unbelief. I said “God you know how I hate that many of your people have misrepresented you in the past. I detest the actions and philosophies of pharisaical people and legalism as Jesus did. Please show me what went wrong with Chip and how I can help him.” Do you know what I felt the Lord speak back to me? He said that every person is responsible for their own choices and decisions regardless of who may have influenced them. Then I heard the Lord very clearly say, “THEY WILL KNOW ME BY YOUR LOVE.”
So here is my summarized take on the Lords answer: Can Chip still be redeemed by God’s amazing love? Absolutely he can. It is never too late for anyone. God’s love is stronger. What about the modern day pharisees, and those who are seemingly branding their own new forms of Christianity? Don’t they love the Lord? Maybe they do. I mean, I can’t really say who loves the Lord and who doesn’t. Even when I believe someone is misinterpreting Scripture or selectively forming their own doctrine, my response to them still needs to be in love.
There are layers of intimacy in any relationship, and the more intimately acquainted we are with Jesus, the more we will be able to reflect Him to others. That’s really the bottom line. Our love for others must truly come out of our intimate love for the Lord. Intimate relationships are developed by spending time together—there are no short cuts. Spending time in God’s presence and in His Word is what we truly must long for. It’s ONLY then, that others will see a true reflection of Jesus on this earth. We are His representatives. That is His plan…His design…His cause and effect. The love we show to others can not be manufactured in any other way. It has to be a bi-product of our own relationship with Jesus.
Just after washing the disciple’s feet Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34,35 ESV
Friends, if you are struggling with questions today that are taking you down some winding trails of despair. Look to Jesus. If you are dealing with doubt, fear, anxiousness, or depression…look to Jesus. Don’t get caught-up in all the questions and allow them to stand in the way of pursuing the very one who has all the answers. Don’t be stuck in the questions rather than the quest to know Him. James 4:8 says, “Step into, draw near to God AND He will draw near to you.”
One last thing…The Bible says, “For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.” (2 Cor. 2:15 ESV) Remember this… Jesus Christ is perfect theology. Study Him, spend time with Him, and let His aroma follow you wherever you go. Jesus also displayed to us lifestyle Christianity, and we get to be an amazing conduit of His love. That…is amazing!
May God bless you today in your quest to know Him more.
Blessed by the Best,
Mark
BTW: We always welcome your comments and feedback 😊
See You in the River 