It's Amazing
Humans are naturally selfish, or rather self absorbed. We are born that way, it is a result of our natural lineage. The notion of original sin may be scoffed at by some, but it makes perfect sense to me. I know that naturally I am selfish, and self centred. It hurts me to admit it, but it is true. We are self centred because at the fall of mankind, God was displaced as the centre, and man himself became pre-eminent in his thinking. This absence of God as centre causes us to need to acheive, strive, and work for what we want. We have to do it for ourselves as there is nobody to do it for us.
If we take the bible seriuosly we will eventually see that what we have assumed all our lives to be true, is in fact not true. People who do not know God refer to the accounts surrounding Jesus, as being myths, and not to be believed. The biblical truth shows us that the world's systems of thinking, and doing, are in fact based on lies, and are demonic. The bible informs us that satan, the spirit of this age, is in fact able to control mankind without them even knowing about it. Deception is his biggest weapon.
When a christian begins to understand this he or she naturally wants to be changed. We approach scripture with a thinking pattern that is steeped in the lies, and deception of our upbringing. We come with all our hurts, our pain, and our dysfuction. That is fine. God has a plan for us. I used to hear as a young christian, that God is more interested in my character than my happiness. This may be partly true, but He is also intersted in my happiness. The main thing is He knows better than me what constitutes my happiness. His amazing faithfulness keeps Him focussed on what is best for me from His perspective.
He changes our spiritual sate instantly when we yield to His mercy. But the rest of us, our souls, and our bodies, didn't get instant transformation. Sometimes I wished I had been changed completely, but then I would miss one of the greatest gifts given to men. The gift of getting to know God in this sin infested, chaotic world. If God had lifted me out of this world when I was born again 24yrs. ago, I would have missed the experience of getting to know Him whilst walking through my alloted span on earth. I must make another confession. In my immaturity I come to God to be changed. I am so aware of what is not functioning properly in me. I am aware of my jealousy, lust, and selfishness. God wants to change me, but He wants me to know Him, and in the process I will be changed.
I know plenty of theology, and christian doctrine. But my heart yearns to know more of who God is. He has granted me adoption as His son. Sons want to know their Dads. God is passionate about revealing Himself to us. He wants every person on the earth to know Him. Jesus said that no one could come to the Father except through Him. The greatest revelation the church has today is that we are beginning to understand the Father's heart. God always thinks relationally. He is Love, and He wants to increase His family.
It is so amazing to me that no matter what is going on in my life, Father God is continually, faithfully, unhurriedly, patiently, working out His plan for me. What security enters my soul when I know that God Almighty has room for me in His heart, and in His agenda. Even if I come with the wrong motivation, it is His grace that has caused me to come to Him. He knows what is best for me, and I am learning to trust Him. It's not about striving, and acheiving; it's about resting and yielding. He has a plan, to conform me into the image of His Son Jesus. Not a bad plan eh?
About the Author
Welsh son of God.
