Your relationship with God (part three)

No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).

Some people feel a little ‘cool’ towards Jesus.  They aren’t real fond of having a bunch of rules to follow, and Christ teaches the importance of obedience.  Some of His rules seem out of step with modern sensibilities.  What’s the big deal about having sex before your wedding night?  Why is the Lord against gay marriage?  How are we supposed to respect people in authority when they act like scumbags?  What’s so wrong with enjoying money, fame, or power?  How can I enjoy life with so many rules getting in my way?

Others are ‘lukewarm’ about Jesus because they don’t like His attitude towards non-Christians.  He says that no one can enter heaven unless they go through Him—how rigid is that?  What about my friends who are Jewish or Mormon or don’t like religion but are still decent people?  How can I accept the possibility that they might wind up in hell while I go to heaven?  Isn’t God supposed to love everybody?  Why is God’s home an exclusive club?

God does love everyone; Jesus suffered and died for the entire world.  But Christ does not invite filthy strangers into His Father’s home.  He welcomes friends, friends that are made clean by His sacrifice of forgiveness.  Anybody can be His friend; He invites all to be cleansed by His touch.  Heaven is exclusive, but the requirements for entry cost us nothing—Jesus has paid our admission with His blood.  All are welcome so long as they submit to Jesus’ authority. Sadly, many don’t.  If you are concerned by this, support mission work with a donation.  If you know someone who isn’t Christian, tell them why you love Jesus.  Give them a Bible or invite them to church with you.  Let them know that you want them in your life forever, and so does Christ Jesus.

As the Man in Charge, our Savior gives us a code of conduct to live by.  These laws teach us how to show love and respect to God and our fellow human beings—they are laws of love that encourage our best behavior.  The Lord knows we don’t have it within ourselves to meet those standards all the time; we are sinners who are fascinated with pushing whatever limits we are given.  Thankfully, Christ is willing to forgive us when we step out of bounds; we can show our gratitude for His mercy by respecting the rules that He gives us. Jesus’ heart is filled with love for us; knowing that should warm your heart.