I John 4:18
7/2/10
To say that the world is unpredictable is a woeful understatement. There are so many variables. Or to put it another way, there are so many things that could go wrong. In the last few years, we have lived through some of these events: natural disasters, financial markets crashing, wars, oil spills, and so much more. In light of these things it is easy to make future decisions based on fear. Or if you prefer to be more euphemistic about terms, you can say it is easier to make responsible decisions.
The Christian must be better. In the final analysis, he or she should not be motivated by fear, or even a sense of being responsible; no, the love of God in Christ must be the prime motivation. In fact, John 4:18 says that perfect love casts our fear and that God has demonstrated his love for us in the sending of Christ (1 John 4:9). Therefore, when we experience God’s amazing love and grace in Christ, our decisions (and the church’s decisions) will be made in view of love.
This point is essential, because the perspective of God’s love will give clarity to what is really important from a divine standpoint, namely, to love others (1 John 4:7, 4:20, 4:21). Apart from God’s love, there is only darkness or dimness at best (1 John 2:9, 10). My prayer is that as we face greater challenges in our lifetime, no matter what they be, that we would be fully persuaded of the love of God and make strong decisions of love, not just responsible ones. May the vision of the reckless love of God, which sent Christ to the cross, cause us to love in like manner. May God give us all his grace.