Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1, NIV).
I pulled out of the store’s parking lot, making sure to check for oncoming traffic. It was clear, but I knew that if I didn’t make a necessary, gutsy move, I’d be sitting there all day.
As soon as I pulled out and dashed to the waiting red light, a few dozen yards ahead, I noticed a motorcycle cop behind me. My adrenaline immediately spiked, and a dozen questions filled my mind. Did I not see him? Had I cut him off? Was he going to give me a ticket for being too aggressive? And more importantly, where had he come from?
Well, he wasn’t there when I pulled out, so he must’ve zipped out of his hiding spot right when I pulled out. He looked only slightly miffed that I got in front of him. He looked at my car, checked my plates, and then turned his head to look at the truck next to me. He immediately turned on his lights, and as we started to move forward, he pulled the truck over. I was safe. Whew!
I’m pretty sure most of us Christians, at one time or another, view God the same way - in a state of fear, expecting a harsh retaliation for something we’ve done wrong. But the harsh father figure is the opposite of the heart of our Father. While he is adamant about Truth and His unchanging ways, we can be sure that he isn’t out there waiting for us to mess up, only to discipline and oppress us.
God will get our attention if we’re His children, but He does it lovingly, out of the need for communion with Him. I don’t have to fear His wrath if I long to serve and honor Him. Like the motorcycle cop, if I’m following the rules, what reason do I have to fear even if He’s watching me? God’s watch over me is one of care, concern, and ultimately, love.
Finch Food for Thought: God is a loving father who wants to teach us, not condemn us.
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