#HarshRealities Still on todays post Someone says, are we then to be spiritually vigilant because of our own safety or because we love God? If youve read scriptures well, youd have noticed the New Testament gives no commandment on loving God. Christ speaks of a new commandment - John 13:34; A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 15:12; This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. He didnt command us to love Him and His Father. Why? He came not to be loved but to love and its His love for us that inspires love for Him in our hearts. So loving God is not forced or anything to prove but as a result of discovering His own love for us. God has shed His love abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). He says we should love as He has LOVED US! That means His love is an example to us. Little wonder bible says we love Him because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). Ladies and gentlemen, theres no point trying to prove to God you love Him. He just wants you to learn His love and youll respond. So, back to my question, are we to be spiritually vigilant because we love God or for our own safety? Scripture tells us the purpose of Gods armor - Therefore take up the whole armor of God, THAT YOU MAY BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND IN THE EVIL DAY, having done all, to stand. Its not to show God you love Him but to be able to withstand in the evil day! Consider this scenario - A rich man provides a bullet proof car for his child with security men. Is the child proving he loves the father by using this facility? Of course not! Hes rather proving he appreciates the love of his father. Thats exactly what were doing when we use what God has provided. Its not a prove of our love to God but an appreciation of His love for us. Imagine the sinner saying I want to believe in the gospel not because of the salvation I want to obtain but because I love Jesus. You see, such talks dont impress God. If anything, God marvels at such self righteousness! Someone says I want to pray not because of what I stand to get but because I love God. Sounds spiritual but its not because God wants you praying because of what you stand to get! Lets see - Matt.26:41; Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation... 1 Cor.14:4; He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself... Jude 20; But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. Does any of the above scriptures suggest youre doing God any good by praying? Or youre proving your love to God? NO! When you pray in the spirit, youre not trying to prove to God that you love Him. Youre doing so for your own good! Its an appreciation of the gift of God given you in Christ for your own edification. This does not mean praying is all about asking but that praying is all for your good. Even when youre not asking, prayer serves as a spiritual cover and keeps you vigilant! Same goes for reading Gods word. It is not about proving you love God. Its about what you stand to get! 1 Peter 2:2 speaks of the purpose of feeding on Gods word - ...that you may grow thereby. Not so God can grow! Acts 20:32 rings the same bell. Does that sound selfish? No! This is exactly why God provided His gifts. Would you call me selfish if you tell me to come pick a car at your house and I come for it? It would be funny to have you say, So, you came for the car and not for me? Thats silly! I came because you said I should come pick a car. I didnt lobby, beg, or anything. It was your decision! And I have behaved well by coming for my gift. Kindly discard the myth that says, Im praying and reading scriptures because I love God. Its rather for your good, safety, and spiritual well being. How many of us eat because we love our parents? We eat to survive. Thats what Gods word is for as spiritual food - our survival! In the new earth and heaven, well still love God, but there wont be any need for spiritual vigilance because there wont be any danger! Spiritual vigilance is for now and for our good. When you give yourself to Gods word well enough, youll discover loving God is not an issue. Its in you already! Read one more post in the comment box...
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 08:49:21 +0000
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