I’ve heard is stated simply ‘show God’s love practically and give to those in need’. Heidi Baker frames it this way, ‘love looks like something’. For God, it looked like Jesus coming to earth and dying upon a cross for all of humanity, throughout all time. The Bible says God made him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). Blows me away, that’s a whole lot of love right there!
We all hate the word sin because it seems like judgment, but the truth is everyone mucks up, and the result of mucking up is that we are distanced from God. Look at the world, there’s lying, cheating, hating, grudges, pride, stubbornness, doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. I know you’re thinking, some of them aren’t sin- you’re right in a way. But some of them are the effect of the mucked up state of our lives and world. Life is full cause and effect. Drink too much; get drunk. Eat too much; put on weight. Doubt yourself and your potential; welcome low self-esteem. Don’t talk to God about your concerns and worries; open the door to fear and anxiety. Try to long to be strong in your own strength… I hope you’re catching my drift. And here’s where I’m heading with it, (but before I do. I don’t lightly say that issues of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety are an effect of a mucked up world, I say it from a place, where I’ve seen it, lived, it, battled it and been able to find strength in God as I’ve moved thru it). Ok, as I was saying ….. Hope your catching my drift. And here’s where I’m heading with it, in spite of all of this, God chooses, and Jesus agreed to come and sacrifice His life so that we could come into relationship with God and step into freedom from all the cause and effects that make the world, and our worlds – simply mucked uP!
Often, we hear God spoken about and think of Him as some judgemental dude, who either has old glass windows in a building or a mega big building filled with riches. But that’s more an image of religion- a lifestyle of do’s and don’ts. However, there is an opportunity to have a relationship with God, where you can talk to Him about the very real things that are going on in your life. To read the Bible and see how some of those Old Testament girls and guys actually have stories that can help you out in the tough times you’re facing. To welcome the Comforter (AKA Holy Spirit) into your life and have one who will help, guide, encourage and talk with you about life. And as we approach Easter this year, I just wanted to encourage you not to just think about the Hot Cross Buns, Chocolate, and Easter Bunny; but instead ask:
How am I really doing at life? (I always seem to do this – I ask you to ask massive questions, in a light-hearted manner. Sorry, if it’s a brain bender).
Could I use a relationship with God to help me get through the day?
Does what I’m reading, question what I’ve known of God.
Do I know God or do I just know a little about Him.
Am I happy with my relationship with God
Just a few things to ponder as we sip on coffee and eat (hopefully) a delicious Lindt Bunny (… see I’ll eat Chocolate too this Easter). Knowing that as I do, I can chat with my God about the very real highs and lows of life. And that’s worth celebrating each and every day. Not just when the supermarket throws hot cross buns (yummy) and choc eggs at me.
And if, as you have pondered those questions, you think, I’d like to know more about the God she talks about. Start this way ‘hey God, can we talk, I’d like to know if you’re really there….’. I’m sure He’ll answer you, after all its His nature to talk to those He loves.
