Tough Love


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"There are times when intervention
is the surest sign
of real love."


MJ Flack



There are some who would like to paint an image of God as a cruel and vindictive person. Overly arrogant and totally fixated on being a control freak. Yet this is not a true image. As can be understood from reading the Bible with a global and balanced view of things.

Some of the things we need to come to terms are what I could call Bench marks. Once they are set, then considering the over all story line we are told will make more sense.

The first of these Bench marks would be the relationship between we humans and God the Creator. The term Creator is used here to express how this relationship starts off. God has created all things.

Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these [ things ], that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that [he is] strong in power; not one faileth

Isaiah 40:26

Thou art worthy, O our Lord and [our] God, to receive glory and honour and power; for *thou* hast created all things , and for thy will they were, and they have been created .

Revelations 4:11

We are created by God to become his children. His people if you'd like. But like any who are given free will, we are rebellious and turn towards our own ways and understanding. Seeking after the things of temporal nature not spiritual. So our true relationship is with a Father God and not with some distant disconnected disassociated being that makes demands on us.

The second of the Bench Marks is the relevance of the Bible as to how we connected with God. What God the Father seeks most from us as his children. And through the many books of the Bible we can find this explained.

9 But *ye* [ are ] a chosen race, a kingly priesthood, a holy nation, a people for a possession, that ye might set forth the excellencies of him who has called you out of darkness to his wonderful light; 10 who once [were] not a people, but now God's people; who were not enjoying mercy, but now have found mercy. 11 Beloved, I exhort [ you ], as strangers and sojourners, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 peter 2:9-11

We are both called and challenged to be apart from the World we live in. To stand separate as witness to the love God has on offer for all. And not to become soiled by the practices of the World. As this World is corrupt and seeks only after it's own ways and pleasures.

In our Post Modernistic Society we are told that "if it feels good so it". With no concern for any but ourselves. The book "In defence of Egotism" was one of the best read amongst modern psychologists. As it defended their right to look after their own desires and interests at the cost of everyone else.

So what is it about the Bible that people complain the most? Is it when God calls us to be pure of heart? Is it when we are told to seek only those things that are holy and wholesome? Or is it the fact that we are called to recognise our complete dependence on God as our creator and father?

I'd say it was this last that cuts the deepest for some. For some the concept of accepting an omnipotent God as creator is unacceptable. It means having to live by Gods set rules. And the human ego is not so easily persuaded to do so. Human nature has always been to push the boundaries. Test the limits and go as far if not farther then the last time. Adults are no different then children when it comes to wanting to get away with things.

Sadly we are not talking about short term rules and limitations. What is at stake here are long term eternal matters. This life is nothing compared to the eternity we will face either in the enriching grace of our Lord Jesus. Or the only alternative which would be to suffer for all eternity. There is no grey area here. The rules here are set to protect us. In our endeavour to achieve our greatest good. We really need to choose this day to accept Gods Tough Love. Or to accept the consequences of our decisions.
Prayer:


Prayer:

Heavenly father,

I acknowledge my stubborn heart,
And pray for a heart of joy.


I acknowledge my selfish will,
And pray for a generous spirit.

I acknowledge my selfish flesh,
And pray for self control.

In all things I accept your right,
To lead and guide me.
To correct and encourage me.
To teach and help me grow.

For you are my Father my Creator.

Amen