We are all looking for answers, seeking how to be, and even if we can be as we should be. And where to draw the line, if we don't measure up. Is the line at, our trying, the thought hat counts, the faith and acceptance of Jesus, and faith and acceptance of God. There is the side of the line for what can we do, and then there is the side of the line, haven't we done enough? Or even can we do enough?
God has been so kind to us, even to call Himself our Father. Jesus encourages us to do this too. And I think for me looking at those aspects of how much do we do, in the same way a child does with their own dad looks at those issues, it's helped me fit an understanding around some of it. I have hope that it's close to being right, if it's not right.
Here's what I mean. Some time ago, when I was a cub living with my parents, I was doing something wrong, that I knew was wrong, but it was so enjoyable, exciting, and addicting I could only try and hide it from everyone around me, and hide it from my parents as well. For me the wrong that my dad confronted me on was going on the computer and looking up pornographic pictures. When he confronted me on it though, it was in a way out of sympthy, and he told me he knew this is a hard struggle and easy temptation, but that I needed to quit. I was so ashamed to be caught, and knew how awful it was, and that my dad has to be ashamed of me as well. But still he came to me at that time gently.
Now that story comes from my family not yours or anyone else's, and holds the dynamics between myself and my dad's relationship. But for me it was a lesson to me, even in the wrongs I do, the ones that makes everyone ashamed to even approach, my dad still loves me. With that in mind be strengthened. God loves us all and all of heaven celebrates when a sinner turns to God, and seeks to be his. Even to the extent to celebrate this more then celebrating the ones who stayed true. God loves us, let that strengthen you as you learn and try and struggle with how much you should do, how much is enough, and if believing is enough.
Move on from that comfort of love, then there are the tasks at hand that we are charged with doing or not doing. From the start of Moses giving the Laws throughout the history of Isreal, there is a history of God saying His expectations, relieving the stresses of the nation once they turn back to Him, or letting them fall into the pits of punishments when they stray away. There are expectations, there are blessings and there are punishments, but wait there's more still. There is also praising God, there is fellowship, there is strength in faith such as in Job, Daniel, Ruth, and Ester, where each story had it's hardships and needed to rely on God to make it through. In all of it there is so much to learn, and if we can understand it, we can apply those lessons to our lives.
Now if we are God's family, and He truly is our Father, there is at play the lessons and the love a father teaches us, but there is also a strength in relationship as well. Our praise and worship I think is a joy to God, and it also give us strength in our Love for Him. Our fellowship also will help us or give us struggles. Depending on whether our fellowship is there with others who will strengthen us, encourage us, and Know God too, or if they are those that we are called to be a kindness to, but are the ones that make us question the right way. There are more then one kind of fellowships. Many kinds of friendships, and many habits, actions, and perspectives that hopefully strengthen us to God more. Try and gather at least a few stable aspects in your life to strengthen your relationship with God, and you'll be blessed for it.
Every time I hear someone say they are far away from their parents or the rest of their family, and they are glad for that, it make me sad for them. And I think how lucky I am to be close to my parents and my brothers, and that I need to tent to that more then I do, so that I don't lose that someday down the road.
Sorry for the long rant, but what I'm trying to say is this. God loves us, and our relationship with Him can be influenced by our actions. He will still love us, but the relationship will be stronger if we have the elements in our lives to stay in love with God too. Follow Him, strive with love for everyone, praisvHim, and say close to the Word, with our own study or bible study in groups.
Either way, be strengthened. The Good news of Jesus is that the creator of the universe loves us, calls us to be His own, and has paid a fierce price to buy us back from our sins and our shames. Love Him for it, and praise Him for His love, whenever you see it.
