A few days ago, I had a conversation with my Mom about my parents' pets. I mentioned her "stupid dog." (Forgive my political un-correctness in using that "s" word).
Mom's swift response was "We don't have a stupid dog."
"What happened to him?" I asked.
"Oh, we still have him," she said. "He's just not stupid."
Our conversation made me smile.
My parents love their pets - pretty much unconditionally. They are responsible, kind and generous pet owners (two cats and two dogs) and do everything they can to care for them properly. In return Bob, Charlie, Victor and Missy are devoted to my parents. They always want to be where Mom and Dad are and follow them around wherever they go.
God loves us that much -- unconditionally. Long ago, Jesus told us just how much the Father loves and cares for us. In that beautiful discourse called the Sermon on the Mount, Christ teaches that we are cared for much more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. (Matthew 6:25-34 NKJV)
We aren't to worry about what we will eat and drink or what we will wear. Christ says, "For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:32b -33). In other words, we don't have to worry about anything except seeking the Father and His righteousness. Then God will take care of the rest.
Probably the most well-known verse in the Bible is John 3:16 and no wonder! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." How awesome is that? It is a kind of love that we cannot begin to fathom. Knowing about His love gives us hope beyond measure.
To me, the next verse is just as profound. "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." God gave us the greatest gift -- it was the perfect gift - the sacrifice of His loving Son for our sins.
The love of God is unconditional in that He sent His only Son to die for us. His sacrifice was for the whole world. And yet John 3:16-17 uses the words "should" and "might." See in return for His sacrifice -- in return for Christ dying for us - God wants us to live for Him.
He wants us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness - He wants us to be as devoted to Him as my parents' pets are to them. He wants us to long to be with Him - just like those beloved animals long to be with my Mom and Dad. He wants us to follow Him.
No I am not saying we are like pets' to God. Matthew already told us that in God's eyes we are so much more than the birds of the air. We are the only creatures to whom God gave a soul. But I am talking about pure love. Just as God's love is perfect and pure - so our love for Him should be.
We love God because God first loved us. (I John 4:19) Each one of us must decide if this is true for our lives. And if it is - we should be happy -- excited --eager to go wherever He leads us - just as those wonderful pets eagerly follow Mom and Dad wherever they go.
God's loves is wonderful, pure and holy. He wants us to be with Him. The question is do we love Him enough to follow where He leads?
Christ above all things,
Robin
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