If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those
who ask Him!
~ Matt. 7:11 HCSB ~
I chuckle a little when someone compliments me on the way I follow the Lord, Jesus Christ. It’s not my intention to make fun of one who offers the compliment. It’s just that, I know my heart. I am so sin-filled. This is the guy who used to throw Jerry Bridges’ “Pursuit of Holiness” across his dorm room as I read it. “This holiness sounds like a (insert various profanities). Yeah. That was me.
I am redeemed by Christ Jesus, and He makes me perfectly acceptable in His sight – now and forever. He calls me His friend. In Him, I’m good-to-go (John 15:5) Apart from Christ, “I’m a hot mess!”
God is teaching me so much about my identity in Him: http://www.ficm.org/index.php?command=textwhoamiinchrist and all the blessings that come with being reborn into His image. Admittedly, sometimes I can go a little too far poo-pooing my character. It’s usually in that time that God gives me a perfect picture of how much He loves me. “A picture is worth a thousand words,” they say.
The picture God has been giving me over the past few days is that of my (almost) 14-month-old. He’s in a stage of independence in feeding. He’s not a brat about it, he simply enjoys feeding himself more than eating from us. We allow it. He is also still teething, and toddles around most of the day with his tongue hanging out of his mouth, drooling like a mad man. Oh, and did I mention that as he finishes eating, he raises his hands in the air (with the best “all done” sign language he can give) and rubs his hands in his curly locks. Yeah…
“You Nasty!”
I like to look at my son, make a funny face and holler at him, “You Nasty!” over and over. Almost always, he begins laughing uncontrollably. He reaches for me and will not relent until I pick him up and hold him in my arms. “But boy…you NASTY!!!” He doesn’t give up, and he always gets his hug, even while he’s all nasty! He KNOWS his daddy loves him. He is secure in that love I give, even when he’s a hot mess. [Insert note for my older boy - "You STANKY!" He laughs too, but pee-yew!]
A hot mess daddy loving on a hot mess son. It’s something special. I love baby boy so much emotionally, I can feel it physically, even as I type. I LOVE him, love him, love him, love him – as I do all my children.
What then shall we say about a perfect heavenly Father’s love for us? I’ve studied the Bible, theological books, and the like. I could say I do, but really, I don’t get it. I don't believe any amount of explanation is going to get me there. I just have to, no, I GET to, experience it. Amen!Amazing love, how CAN it be?! I, who am sin-filled – “evil” – think I have a clue about love? I’m certainly an amateur as I consider the Father’s love for us. I love God. I love His love. But I’m still learning.
Thank You, Father, for loving me. I know “I’m a hot mess.” Your love is such a “good thing.” Your love is amazing. Thank You for this day and for allowing me the privilege of loving others here on Earth. Help all of us love one another with a Holy love that comes from You. May You be filled with joy and glorified in the way we love one another (John 15:12).
