Let's say a man owns many plants and a dog. If that man is good to his plants, meticulously taking care of them with precision and care every day of his life, but he's cruel towards his dog, beating him and ignoring his basic needs, would you consider that man good? Of course not. Why? Because the admirable treatment of lesser beings (the plants) doesn't justify or atone for the poor treatment of higher beings (animals).
In the same way, if a man is good to humans (through philanthropy or charitable work his whole life), that doesn't excuse his poor treatment of God (never thanking God for his life, being angry and bitter towards Him, not seeking Him, not obeying his commandments, ignoring his work in the world, blaming Him for the evils of the world, not bringing glory to Him, etc.) That's because caring for lesser beings (humans) doesn't justify our poor treatment of the higher being (God). And even though good treatment of humans is often times indicative of a love for God (Matt.25:37-40), it is not necessarily indicative of it. Many who hate God (atheists, etc.) do wonderful things for people.
Thankfully, God has provided a way for you and I to be forgiven for our poor treatment of Him. Instead of immediately punishing us, he punished his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf. All who believe in Jesus with sincerity and love will be forgiven and escape the judgment He'll one day bring to every human being. Do you know how angry and vengeful we get at other human beings who mistreat vegetation and animals? They're ostracized from society! But God, who "does not treat us as our sins deserve" (Psalm 103:10) is not like us. He is full of compassion and mercy and will forgive, save, and give us eternal life if we change our core beliefs about ourselves and Him (repent) and believe the words of his Son, Jesus.
0 comments:
Post a Comment