August 11, 2008
(The Message James 4:7-10)
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
I love to talk about Jesus’ love. It’s what draws me to him and to my faith. It’s why I want my life to reflect his teachings. And yet sometimes we use that grace and love in a way that I don’t believe he ever intended.
I was talking with some teens and asked them to describe God.
One said, “he’s my best friend.”
Another said, “no matter what I do, he’s always there.”
A third commented, “no matter how many times I mess up, I know that God will take me back.”
There is truth in each of these comments. God is a friend. God is always there. God does forgive and is a God of grace.
But what about us? Are we a friend to Christ? Do we remain faithful to our Savior? Do we see God as our clean-up crew (for our messes) or do we see him as GOD? When I heard these comments from teens, I thought, “in real life if you treated a friend like that, they might not be a friend for long”. Read them again. Do you agree?
What does it mean when James says to “be serious”? Not that we have to walk around with long faces, but perhaps it’s to take our faith up a notch — to see who God is, where he desires to take our lives, and to honor the relationship through obeying God, letting him take charge.
The cool thing is that when you plug into God like that, he puts us on our feet. He shows us where we’re going and what he desires. We GROW! We line up with others to find destiny, and faith becomes a powerful part of who we are.
Real Quote: Beware of little sins. Mosquitoes drink more blood than lions…” E.P. Brown
Lynn Cowell says:
This is so true Suzie. I think sometimes we are afraid to share the truth that although He is full of grace, love and mercy; He is also holy!
Thanks for your word today!
Lynn
Debbie says:
Love that quote. So true!
Debbie