There has been an interesting discussion going on in recent weeks about what exactly will qualify a person to inherit eternal life. I have come across as much watered down doctrine as I have over the top legalistic doctrine, which has left me asking why so many people seem to be set on doing “just enough” to get to heaven? While the over the top doctrine pushers would have you believe that you must believe exactly as they do, the watered down faction seems to be seeking the quickest, easiest, cheapest ticket that will be accepted at the pearly gates.
In any endeavor, when you seek to do “just enough” rather than to excel, you may technically succeed, but you are only cheating yourself when you give less than your best. Here is a real world example – French Toast.
If I take the eggs and beat them just a little, then quickly dip the bread in the eggs and fry it on up in a really hot pan, I will technically have French Toast. It will be dry in the middle and have crusty egg white on the edges, and maybe a few charred spots, but it will have about the same nutritional value as it would have if I were more attentive to the details.
In contrast, if I mix the eggs well, maybe add some cinnamon, give the bread some time to soak up the egg mixture and then gently fry it to a golden brown, it will be moist and appetizing. I will delight in its taste and texture and my meal will be far more satisfying!
If you really think about it, the real difference between these two versions of French Toast is the loving care we put into it. In the same way, we open ourselves to receive from God, according to the loving care we put into having a relationship with Him. I have said many times, it is not about what you believe or even what you do or don’t do, it’s all about who you belong to. When you belong to someone, you put that loving care into building the relationship so that it becomes ever more satisfying. By trying to get away with “just enough”, you are placing limits on God, through whom all things are possible. Now why would anyone want to do that?
If you belong to Jesus, you will surely fall down sometimes, but you will more often strive to do what pleases Him. By grace, He is not counting the times you fall, He is rather counting the times you get up and move closer to Him.
Blessings & Adventure,
Lynn “lynnibug” Rios
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Oh wonderful post and I totally agree with you – God gives us so much to be thankful for and shouldn’t take Him or the things He does for granted and show we love him back more every minute instead of just an occasional thank you God
Nancy
Skype: nancyradlinger
Amen!!
Lynn this is an excellent post. Many people “know of” God and think that is going to get them to heaven or it makes them a Christian. This is sadly mistaken assumption. You have to “know” God and have a relationship with Him through prayer and fully surrendering yourself to His will and many fail to accept surrendering their will to God. Well done!
Lynn,
Thankful everyday and get more thankful as the days go by! Thank you for writing this one.
Kris
Just keep up that attitude of gratitude Kris. It will serve you well.
That is such a beautiful post Lynn. Everyday we can see the wonder of his splendor. I agree with everything you say.
Susie
skype smsforce
AMEN!
The problem with people is they want the easy way out. They want the least amount of effort for the greatest reward.
They want the quick dip French Toast, simply because the human race has forgotten all the effort that went into making French Toast. The actual harvesting the grain making the dough baking it. The grinding of the cinammon into a fine powder and finally the gathering of the eggs and the tapping of the trees for maple syrup.Now its run to the store hit the express lane on your way out and then quick dip the french toast. and they think its good enough.