Aug
31
Unfragile
Filed Under Devotional
It’s alive! Well, maybe not alive, but that’s kind of the feeling I get at times like this. Let me back up.
I’ve spent the better part of a day writing some custom software for my church. It’s purpose is to automate something that normally takes several steps so that it will be less of a hassle for the people who are normally responsible for running through those steps every Sunday. Because of various odd requirements, the beast I’ve constructed is a bit of a Frankenstein. I’ve wired together a few different kinds of applications that don’t normally work together. It works, but it’s fragile and hanging together with the equivalent of baling wire and bubble gum. Still, when the whole process runs through and works, I want to yell, “It’s alive!” Each time I run it, though, I cross my fingers and hold my breath. I just don’t have great faith that it will work every time in every situation.
I note this apprehension only as a contrast to the complete confidence I have in my salvation. I’m surprised and saddened at folks who place their bets on, “I’m better than most,” or, “I think God loves us all and will save us all!” or, “That’s fine for you, but I’ve found a different way.” I’m baffled by this logic. If you aren’t going to take the time to actually discover what the facts are, then wouldn’t you still want to pick the choice with the best chance of success?
If God saves us all, then what do you have to lose to follow Him now?
If God will save those on the upper half of the Bell curve, then what do you have to lose to follow Him now?
If God will only save those who have accepted Christ and chose to follow Him, you have quite a bit to lose if you don’t follow Him now.
You want to depend on the idea that there’s more than one way to God?
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ” John 14:6
You want to go with the plan of following another prophet or savior?
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
You want to place your confidence in someone else making the connection to God for you?
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” 1 Timothy 2:5
There’s not much point trying to get to Heaven at all if you are looking for a path other than Jesus. He’s the solid rock. He’s the relationship that cannot be broken. You don’t have to cross your fingers and hope for the best.
You can know. I love that I know.