Back to the basics

We know that through life’s circumstances, tests, and troubles we fall short. Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” but we have also learned that God loves us (John 3:16) and cares for us. If we will humble ourselves and through faith believe that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to bridge the gap between where we have fallen and our now Heavenly Father then we will be saved.

By this we are reminded it is by grace not by works (Ephesians 2:9), otherwise the strong would boast and the weak would by shunned but God’s plan is that all should be saved and that He receives the glory in all things.

When Adam and Eve sinned mankind was forever separated from God because He is holy; still our Heavenly Father created us to have relationship with each one. Like Adam and Eve we each have been given the gift of Free Will and God refuses to take it from us, even if it means eternal separation from Him. The reason for that is so all may know, above all else whom we will serve; without this important step we are simply obedient because we have no choice, which is not obedience at all and therefore Free Will is required! For without Free Will the type of relationship the Father designed can never be offered. 

Why do we choose God?

• We first need to know that we are unable to succeed on our own and to those who’s ears are not open the what the Holy Spirit says (Proverbs 9:10-11) God allows life to show us where we fall short not because He doesn’t love us but because He does love us indeed!
• Some blame bad luck when they fall and some blame others – this is denial. We keep trying and keep failing all the while pulling further away from God’s love as we refuse to give in.
• Next we are brought face to face with a choice. We will either humble ourselves and let God love us or will we keep trying on our own hoping one day luck will be in our favor, as if we are playing the lottery with our lives and eternity.
• Read Matthew 5:1-16 (the beatitudes) and see who God says is blessed… it is those who have come to terms with their own need for God. Turning to God and letting go of our own way opens a doorway in front of us to live life the way God has intended.
• The other choice is to become more determined, pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps and showing God and everyone else we don’t need anyone i.e. pride (Proverbs 16:18).
• The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) the father allows the son to walk (Free Will). God is more concerned with our spiritual condition than He is with our physical comfort, in this way pride is revealed. Even spiritual leaders who otherwise love God can allow pride to, like the prodigal son, effectively cause them to walk away from the Father but God is faithful and even at the bottom we can return to His great love.
• Remaining humble by remembering our need (James chapter 1)
• Until we understand just how much we need the Lord we will continue to try doing things in our own strength and just as many times we will continue to see the limits of those efforts (Hebrews 12:6-7).
• But those who are spiritually mature know just what it means to walk with God in all things, knowing it’s not their strength but God’s, it’s not their will but God’s, and it’s not their battle but God’s and they give it to Him not because they have to but because they choose to (1 Corinthians 13:11-13).

The answer to all life’s mysteries is relationship with God, the way He had originally planned with Adam and Eve. The answer to relationship with the Unseen is humility and faith in His righteousness allowing His love to move us to action, telling others about what He has done for us… ultimately for Jesus to increase and for us to decrease in all that we do and say – John 3:30-36… this is the key to life and how well you apply it to every aspect of yours determines success or failure, for by this alone you and I will be judged (Matthew 7:21-23).