Getting ready for work this morning and the radio is playing some
music.
It sounds so
painful and mournful to my heart
Something about
following Jesus no matter what
At least that was
the essence I was hearing.
And driving in I
thought about how this must make him feel
That a person would
give up their life for Jesus is kind of tricky
Because on the one
hand it's pure devotion that Jesus wants from us and when it's given I'm sure
that his heart is full of joy
But on the other
hand to say that I give up my life and feel as though I'm leaving what I really
desire behind, giving up what really matters to me, sacrificing like that - I
think it would be very hurtful.
Anyone that gives
out of love knows the joy that comes from it
From being able to
see the joy it brings to the other
But giving out of
obligation or even worse; fear, finds no joy or comfort. It only feels
like loss
And unless the
recipient of that kind of giving is cold hearted there is no comfort or joy in
it.
So as I pondered
this song, and the things Jesus said, unless you're willing to give up your
family, your very life, then don't bother. (My paraphrase) I see his
point. One must love him enough to give up everything - pure devotion - for it
to be the kind of love he is asking of us. But not because we have to.
God - Jesus does not desire a relationship with robots, automatons
that are simply obedient. He desires a real relationship as an equal in
the way we relate. We're not equals, never will be..... But what
some would call love, the kind that is required, demanded, and given out of
obligation, is not love at all.
And I wonder how he
feels when we sing so mournfully about our relationship with him. Would a
lover enjoy this? I think not.
I think Jesus - God desires our pure love, given freely without
pressure, without constraint, without regret.
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