Obviously there at positive and negative connotations to this word both in the Bible and what we think and say. First, there is the "but unless a man is born again he cannot be saved." My paraphrase but you get the point. We have references to "but if you believe..." and "but if you do..." then... That's the key point. Whenever there is a "but" from God, there is also a "then". It's like a formula that he has given the Christian to right living. It's not okay with God that anyone perish. But, then, what happens to those who were saved but appear to have fallen away? The Bible is clear that if someone has given their life to Jesus that they will have their name written in the book of life forever. But, then, what happens to the believer who claims to be Christian but lives like a pagan? The Bible is clear that we can claim to be a Christian all day long but not be saved or know the truth that can set them free. Self deception is an incredible force that brings down many. "There will be many in that day who will cry 'Lord, Lord,' and He will tell them, 'I never knew you.'" It's a matter of choice of whether we enter into a relationship with Jesus on his terms or our terms. You know whether your faith is genuine, something learned, or even something deceptive. You know...
I bring up the two commandments once again. There is no "but" in either of them. In fact if you go back to the original 10 Commandments you won't see a "but" in any of them. What you will se is cause and effect. Love the Lord your God... Love your neighbor as yourself... Both are unconditional and not optional. We may think we have the choice, but, then, you can choose to reject Jesus and not live for God. Hmmm.... I'd love to tell you that I have always, since giving my life to Jesus, I have never been one of those who live the "but" life. That wouldn't be true and wouldn't give glory and honor to Jesus. I have failed Jesus more often than adhered to the Gospel. Like Paul, I too am the greatest of sinners. What God wants for us is to love him with all our heart, soul and mind. Should we do that, we would automatically be doing that to our neighbors. Turn that around. Does the way you love your neighbor show them how much you love God? Perhaps you don't know who your neighbor is? Then I suggest you look around you. All people are our neighbors. Would God say that you are loving your neighbor as He loved us when Jesus died on the cross for our sins?
But, then, if we love our neighbor as ourselves, how are we loving ourselves? Do we offer mercy and grace to ourselves? Do we believe that the life we are living is only by the grace of God? Do we humbly acknowledge Him in all our ways? Are we intent on letting the Holy Spirit examine us fully in order to be whom God wants us to be? Are we so consumed with the love of God for us that we can't see any fault in anyone else? Are we open to constructive discipline from God in order to be more like Jesus? IF we could attend to these things and not enter into the pettiness of mankind the whole world would see Jesus and not Steve. What do they see when they look at you? Do they see Jesus living through you? Check these areas of your life: secret sin, selfishness, ungratefulness, gossiping, lack of prayer, lack of Bible reading, and...well, you get the idea. You see, there is a way that seems right to man but leads to destruction. It's your choice. It always has been your choice.
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