Fidelity to God

Good Morning beautiful reader!! It sure is a chilly one here this morning! I hope you had a chance to read my post on methods of bible study! It should be helpful to both you and me! This morning, I am going to use the questions from my study guide to help guide me in todays reflection.

• Point one-- An important lesson we learn from Hosea has to do with the theological method; that is, that the way to knowledge of God is through the observation of human experience. 

• How is God like a faithful spouse, a loving parent, a friend seeking an enduring relationship?

    We know that God is always with us. He is someone we can go to when we need some tender loving care. "In their affliction, they shall look for me: "Come, let us return to the Lord", For it is He who has rent, but He will heal us." (Hs 6:1, NAB). 

    In verse 4, God sounds very much like a weary parent, "What can I do to you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?" He has already doled out punishment, yet they still won't obey. Oh do I ever hear that one!! God will punish to get His point across, to let you know that you did something displeasing. But, much like any parent, He will not stop loving you just because you messed up. 

• What does infidelity do to human relationships? Would the same things apply to our relationship to God?

    Infidelity can kill a relationship. BUT... it can also signal that there is something missing in the relationship. There are repairs to be made. The question you need to ask yourself is if you are willing to work on the relationship to heal it or would you rather walk away? 

    I think the same can apply to our relationship with God, except we are the ones susceptible to infidelity. We can find ourselves straying from God's path. We become enmeshed in secular persuits. We forget to make time for God. Or, something drastic can happen in our lives that makes us question God's presence or feel that God is punishing us for something, only we don't know what that something is. 

    This is why we daily have to make an effort to evaluate where we stand in our faith. Is there something missing? Are you making an effort? Are you confessing your sins to God? A relationship doesn't work if both parties aren't making an effort. 

•  Point two-- In Luke's Gospel, it makes the point that Disciples participate in the mission of Jesus. Disciples become participants in Jesus' ministry. They embody the reversals and the counter-cultural values of the Kingdom. They abandon wealth or put it at the disposal of the needy. Disciples give without expecting in return. They don't seek security in the things of this world, but store up treasures in heaven. They seek greatness by being servants of all.

    We see this lesson throughout the Bible. We must not become slaves to material things. We must not be selfish with what we have. Part of being a Christian is giving back to others, to doing for others what we would want done for us.  Just because you may be financially secure, or wealthy for that matter, does not guarantee that you are a good person. It will not guarantee you a spot in heaven. 

    Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them."

    You are to stay humble when we do for others. When you boast about the things you have done, when you make a point to let people know how good you are for doing for others, then it is not doing it for the glory of God. You are doing it to bring attention to yourself. To assure yourself a place in heaven. But that's not how it works, folks! Do good for others, be humble when doing it, do not seek attention, do not boast about it. As Nike used to say "Just Do It!" 

   In the matter of fidelity (going back to Hosea) God has already prepared us the way in which to travel through life. If we remain faithful to Him, if we abide by Him, we will see our reward in heaven.  

Wow.. this one really got away from me. I do apologize. I pray your day is blessed. And, as always, be a nice human. 😇

For a shorter version, check out Father Bill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5w7WVECaNU

This is a great video by my favorite group, Casting Crowns. It speaks to what we learned today. Start Right Here