I Love God, But Not As Much

GodWords Newsletter #96

Your kind support humbles me. 😎

If someone memorizes the entire Bible, we might think they’re someone to look up to. If someone has been at your church for 50 years, they might seem like a candidate for sainthood. If someone has a hit on Christian radio, it’s easy to assume they’re worth listening to. We all know that’s not how it works, but - let’s be honest - we do tend to make these kind of assumptions, don’t we?

On the other side of the coin, we often make assumptions about those who don’t appear to be very godly. That guy with all the tattoos, who wears a hat in the worship service. That woman who’s been married twice, who wears too much makeup, whose kids are just a little too… energetic. It’s easy to pretend that we know their spiritual condition, isn’t it?

I spend a lot of time answering questions about God and the Bible. As a result, some folks are a little too impressed with me. Really. Yeah, I know some stuff. Sure, I’ve been following Jesus since I was 6… but let’s not pretend that longevity or newsletters or websites are good indicators of very much at all. After all, I probably love God less than you do.

Don’t take my word for it. Jesus said so.

In Luke 7 we see three people: a apparently godly man, Jesus, and a supposedly ungodly woman. Simon the Pharisee asked Jesus to dinner, and was willing to learn from Him. A good start. Then a woman, whose name we don’t know, crashed the party. Simon didn’t invite her. She was there because Jesus was there. She wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. She applied an expensive perfume to His feet, and kissed them.

Jesus taught Simon a lesson, and we would be wise to learn it as well. What’s the lesson? It’s really simple:

Those who have been forgiven of much will naturally love more.
Those forgiven of little will, naturally, love little.

This anonymous woman, whose many sins had been forgiven, showed her love for Jesus in a humble, extravagant display of gratitude and affection. This well-known religious leader, who spent most of his life being obedient to the law God had given, simply loved God less.

Don’t get me wrong: Jesus’ words don’t seem like a condemnation of people, like me, who have been forgiven for less. The lesson isn’t a comparison between the more-faithful and the less-faithful. The lesson is about our assumptions.

Simon assumed that Jesus couldn’t be a prophet… because He allowed this presumably ungodly woman to touch Him. You and I tend to assume that the older, put-together folks in our churches are simply more godly than those who don’t quite fit the mold. Jesus says that’s not necessarily true. Jesus knew Simon’s heart, and He knew this lovely woman’s heart.

Let’s flip the script. Let’s make a fresh commitment to spend a little quality time with the objects of our assumptions. Let that rough-around-the-edges person tell you their story. Listen carefully to the Simons in your life. Get to know them… not by observing their outward appearance, but by listening for what’s in their hearts.

I love you all.
❤️

One of the Best Days
Relax for a few minutes with a fun story about a dad, his twin, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Charlton Heston, and Beef Stroganoff.

What is the Future of Apologetics?
Dr. Doug Groothuis wrote the textbook, so he’s got the credibility. Do you know what apologetics is?

The Secret to Ending a Marital Argument Quickly
In spite of a lot of counseling and a bunch of broken promises, a couple in my church are heading for divorce. If they followed Kate’s advice, their marriage would be better.

The Vulnerability You Cannot Avoid
At times like these, when so many are concerned about the breakdown of civil society, it’s good to reflect on our true vulnerability, and on our need for God’s protection.

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People are not the enemy, they are the goal.
- Darrell Bock

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The Real Jesus: Downhere

Downhere is one of my favorite Christian groups. As a Canadian group, they didn’t get a lot of airplay on American radio… but they should have. They won dozens of awards for their music, and their insightful lyrics are very powerful. Check them out.

Lyrics and links at Awesome Christian Music.

Jesus on a steeple
Jesus in the Gallup poll
Jesus has His very own
Brand of rock and roll

Watched Him on the silver screen
Bought the action figurine
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch

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