Do You Believe?

Belief Trumped

          God is not interested in being acknowledged by men. Believe or don’t believe. God is not enlarged by your belief or diminished by disbelief. As the scripture says, “He can not deny Himself.” Neither does God force Himself on others. Man’s inherent freedom of thought and action is not a design flaw. It is the will of God that every Man should think, do, and believe as he chooses.

          Love cannot be commanded or legislated. Forced obedience is an empty shell. As a parent, my rules of proper behavior were strict and compliance was encouraged. Obedience was optional—however, the idea that every choice involved consequences was reinforced. Whether or not they realize it, love created the rules my children grew by. But the object of those rules was not obedience or blind acceptance of authority---it was protection. The rules were in place to protect my children until they were mature enough to form their own rules for living. My rules were laid down in the hope that when my children were no longer children, they would appreciate the love that protected them and return that love. They remain free to do so or not; as they choose.    

          God has nothing against obedience, but obedience not driven by love is no more than service of the eyes and lips. Service from the heart is what God wants from us. Jesus told His disciples, “if you love me; keep my commandments.” If your obedience, faith and service don’t come from love; He isn’t interested. Indeed, He says to such people: “I never knew you.” Like a father, God wants His children’s love—nothing else will do.

          If you don’t love God enough to believe, honor and obey Him from the heart or if you aren’t mature enough to do so; He has rules. You may accept and obey them or not as you choose, but you cannot avoid the consequences of your decision.