Tolerating God

I’m reading a book (one of many I’m trying to read) called Crazy Love. I want to share a section from this book with you.

“I sometimes struggle with how to properly respond to God’s magnitude in a world bent on ignoring or merely tolerating Him. But know this: God will not be tolerated. He instructs us to worship and fear Him.” Crazy Love by Francis Chan pg 28

Psalm 19:7-10 “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb”

The fear we are called to have of God is a reverent fear. It’s a healthy fear! If your experience growing up was with a firm but loving father, you will have a good idea of what this means. With this in mind, how insulting would it be to an earthly father, for his children to only tolerate him? It would be VERY insulting. It is magnified all the more when we do this to our Heavenly Father.

Our Christian calling is not just to live lives within the rules, but to live FOR the Rule Maker.

• I must NOT say “God, I’m doing this today - won’t you please bless me!”

• I should say “God what should I do today SO that I will be in your blessing!”

If we REALLY want to live the Abundant lives that Jesus promises to us (John 10:10) then we must decide to live our lives by HIS invitation to follow Him, instead of living our lives inviting God to follow us.

In Faith Unfeigned

Rich