Biblical Bacon

We all have them. Every day, it seems is full of thousands of choices. Drive through has a mirage of choices to choose from. Go through the drive-through of your favorite coffee shop and see how things have changed. It used to be served black, with cream, or sugar or both. Now there are choices to skim, light on the foam, heavy on the foam…  you get it; much more than your usual black with 2 creams and a sugar!

This is actually a Biblical concept as well. We in the Wesleyan persuasion call it free will. It is scattered throughout the Bible how we have the free will to choose to follow God and His will. It started in the garden and continues today. God desired a relationship with Adam and Eve, but He wanted it to be voluntary. Enter the tree with the forbidden fruit. We know how that ended up. If God were to predestine relationships, there would be no need for that tree. Like most of us have learned throughout the lessons life gives us, relationships are a two-sided coin. Both have to be present for it to be worth anything.

Sin had made its division into the relationship God desires with mankind. We see numerous examples throughout the Old Testament how man decides to go on his own accord and leave the counsel of God. King Saul did it wand was shunned by God. King David also decided to listen to the sinful desire and that moment is one of the most remembered of his reign. David did so much more than that one fateful affair and cover-up, but we tend to go straight to that misstep instead of his loyalty to his King (Saul), friends and God. I have found myself using the story of Moses when describing my 30-year run away from God!

Jesus was sent to conquer sin. To restore that relationship that sin had destroyed. And yet, God still gives us the decision to make. “Whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). We have that choice to make. I cannot pass it down to my children and it was not passed down to me. That is not where the choice ends though. We have the obligation to add that other side of the coin. We have to participate in the relationship with God. James 2:17 tells us that our faith without action (or works which require action) is dead. Meaningless.

God has put in the work for the relationship He desires. Are you willing? It is your choice. I chose to walk away and only by His grace I did not perish in that time. Had my earthly life come to an end, I am sure I would have stood in judgment and failed. Do not hesitate. He loves you so much He will not force you into a relationship with Him. It must be your choice. Your free will. You must take that step. If you desire to do so and are not sure how, please contact me so we do not sacrifice another minute to sin.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Revelation 3:20