An internet post caught my attention when I saw the words “GOD’s loves us unconditionally” beneath the picture of a rather rough looking lady with tattoos. I thought it might be thanking GOD for His mercy and forgiveness, but as I continued reading, it turned into a complaint. The sentence ended with “but He has conditions?” It’s probably good that this wasn’t a live encounter between me and someone searching for the truth, because my disappointment may have shown through. Yes, it could be an internet troll or a scoffer, but my response should be in love, no matter their intent.
People want GOD to meet their needs and keep them out of hell, they don’t want to surrender their lives to be their LORD. This generation has been spoiled by the “Have it your way” and “Customers always right” slogans they hear from the service industry. GOD doesn’t work that way. The Bible isn’t a Menu for you to choose what you want from, but a way to know the heart of your Master. I’ve been listening to the song “Thy Will” by Hillary Scott and you won’t have a problem with the words “you are GOD and I am not” and “thy will be done” if you really encounter GOD. If they bother you, perhaps you haven’t surrendered your life to the GOD who so loves you?
His love is unconditional, but you must become perfect to be with Him! JESUS told us, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Mat 5:48 KJV). Well, that’s the first condition nobody can meet! You are right! That is why you need JESUS! Thankfully “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). That makes it easy because I believe! Do you really believe that GOD almighty gave His son to die on the cross for the sin you committed? For “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (11:6 KJV). Did you tell Him that and turn from your wicked ways (Rom 10:9/Mar1:15)? If you did all that, now you are ready for your orders from your LORD!
You did acknowledge JESUS as your LORD and SAVIOR, didn’t you? You will need that right away. JESUS said the greatest commandment (order from your LORD) is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mar 22:37-39 KJV). I can’t do that; my neighbor is mean and doesn’t like me! That’s just practice for “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15 KJV). I can’t travel around the world! With social media you can, but there are many parts of the world to reach that are a lot closer. It sounds like a big job but but JESUS said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb 13:5 KJV) because He loves you!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!