There is a strong vein of hostility against those of us who hold on to traditional Christian values in America today. When people are asked by researchers to give their impression of the devoutly faithful, we are instantly casted as the enemy. The truth is, all mankind has a great spiritual need and deep desire in their heart to connect with their Creator (Eccl.3:11). The problem is the institutionalized church and man made religion with its rules and manipulation have sneeked in to the amazing awespiring adventure of what it means to be a Christian. Freedom was snatched from our hands and subtle control was incorporated. I get that, but let's not throw away the baby with the bathwater. There is a romance between God and his elect classically marked by combinations of faith and doubt, clarity and confusion, rebellion and righteousness that retracts us to Him.
Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph served in Potiphar's house. He was falsely accused by Potiphar's wife and became a prisoner. He offered no defense of himself. He suffered continually as an innocent man. Once elevated and reunited with his family, Joseph should have wanted to pay back his brothers for selling him in to slavery, causing such misery to befall him, but he did not. He states, "ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good. " Joseph does not pretend that what his brothers did to him was not evil. It most certainly was. He knew the intent of their heart. He also knew that God utilized it for a greater purpose. This nation seems to be doing everything it can to displease God, but God is doing something far more wonderful - accomplishing His eternal plan.
I don't have an easy time encountering myself. I still have routine brushes with right and wrong. But it's not about me. God is waiting for a seat in our hearts as well as our houses of worship. The more we pursue Him is the more we love Him and the more we become like Him. It's not that we are cold, unapologetic, rigid or lack empathy. But loving God means loving His ways.
If you are curios how true believers interact with their faith check out Augustine's message: What Do I Love When I Love My God. He says, “It is not physical beauty nor temporal glory nor the brightness of light dear to earthly eyes, nor the sweet melodies of all kinds of songs, nor the gentle odor of flowers, and ointments and perfumes, nor manna or honey, nor limbs welcoming the embraces of the flesh; it is not these I love when I love my God. Yet there is a light I love, and a food, and a kind of embrace when I love my God — a light, voice, odor, food, embrace of my innerness, where my soul is floodlit by light which space cannot contain, where there is sound that time cannot seize, where there is a perfume which no breeze disperses, where there is a taste for food no amount of eating can lessen, and where there is a bond of union that no satiety can part. That is what I love when I love my God.” (concluded)
Prayer
Father, thank you for the unique relationship we share. What a privileged and honor to be a part of Your plan. Make me more like Jesus, Amen.
Go Deeper
Genesis 41:45-57;Matthew 11:28; Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 10:11; James 1:3; Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews. 13:5; 1 Peter 1:7-8; 1 Peter 5:7
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