More Than a Court Case

A lot of Christians are living under a culture of judgment. They feel that God is judging them, or He is certainly going to judge them. And this idea is a central theme to many of us. That’s probably why judgment easily flows from us. The culture of judgment might cause us to constantly measure ourselves, asking “Have we been good enough?” “Are we doing enough?” “What am I missing?” “Should I become something better?” And if I feel that I am not good enough for God, but I could be if I become someone better, then I look at other people and I can see their shortcomings and I may often judge them as unworthy of God’s favor and blessings. 

I have good news! This whole thing is not about judgment, at least not the way we may have thought it. We were never just a court case. We are God’s children, who may have been lost, but Jesus came so that we can live in the light of His love and truth. Jesus reveals our value and our identity. Jesus reveals a Father who is not measuring us judiciously, but who has always loved us and is bringing about the restoration of our souls. This is so His children can live together in love, peace, and joy. He is actually more of a healer than a judge. 

When we say these things, there will often be someone who thinks that God may love us, but He certainly does not love everything that we do. Of course that’s true. I often use the analogy of a beautiful child still in diapers who a parent loves with all of their heart. But do they like everything that the child does? No. Maybe they don’t like it when they poop their diaper. Maybe they like nothing about it. They could even hate it. But it has no effect on their love of the child. Because they are two separate things that are not even remotely related to each other. 

The problem with being judicially minded, is that we find it difficult to separate a person’s actions from their preciousness. With God, the actions have nothing to do with the fact that we are lovable. In fact, when a baby poops its diaper, he/she needs a parent to help them, not reject them. This is what is missed so often. Our loving Father delights in helping us, healing us, and encouraging us.

Here is the good news Judi: we are parented by Someone who loves us, cares for us, helps us in our weakness and does not reject us. We absolutely belong in the Father’s house. 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~Matthew 11:28-30