I was reading an article about Islamic theology and was disappointed to find myself almost (I say almost with the utmost emphasis) wishing that we (Christians) saw God in the same way. They say that God (in their case: Allah) cannot be known; we are slaves and can only ever be slaves to him and it is blasphemy to call ourselves anything higher. Now, of course this understanding of their god is expounded upon in the sense that Allah does not reveal himself, but only reveals his will.
*Side note: I say this in ignorance of the Islam religion: but this is an apparent contradiction. God revealing His will to us is a good chunk of the pie (the pie being His revelation of Himself to us). God cannot reveal His will without revealing bits (or chunks) of Himself. You can find out a lot about a person just by knowing their dreams, likes, dislikes…. actually, that is a great portion of what there is to know about another person: their will. That is just my philosophical counter to the Muslim doctrine that God cannot be known… Of course for the Biblical standpoint you can just check out Romans 1:20.
To continue on… The reason I almost wish Christians believed this is not necessarily because God should be mysterious to us, but rather that we elevate Him and humble ourselves. Why is the fear of God not discussed more? I WANT TO KNOW HOW TO FEAR GOD CORRECTLY! Why isn’t my role as His slave a popular sermon subject? How else am I going to properly humble myself and carry out the will of God? More importantly, how is the church going to properly carry out the will of God? Why do I hear that I am God’s friend when He has not called me friend? Why is it that when I sin, I no longer hurt God? I guess the plain and simple answer is that we are in denial, and let’s face it: we are hypersensitive to slavery. The lowest we go is servant because at least a servant is paid for his work. That’s just selfish.
Why is it that I always hear, “God desires your acceptance; He yearns for you.” While this may be true, I won’t deny it… But shouldn’t we be focusing a little less on how irresistible we are to God and a little (I use the word little meaning a LOT) more on how our love for God is lacking? Can we at least find a nice fulcrum? How could we ever please God if we aren’t loving him through and through to the absolute best of our ability with the guidance of His Holy Spirit? “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength,” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV). Correct me if I am wrong, but this isn’t the ‘emotion-love’ but the action. “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends,” (John 15:13 NKJV). That’s definitely an action.
“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love,” (1 John 4:8 NKJV).
“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”(Galatians 5:19-25 NKJV)
The Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to love God. “We love Him because He first loved us,” (1 John 4:19 NKJV). Put away fleshly desires and follow spiritual convictions…
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30 NKJV)
And again….
“But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; So He turned Himself against them as an enemy, And He fought against them.” (Isaiah 63:10 NKJV)
Aaand again….
“Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NKJV)
If that isn’t your problem, then it may be….
“These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19 NKJV)
If I don’t get a hold of myself, I’ll have copied and pasted a Psalm’s worth of verses. My rant is done. As the Roman Catholics say: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Amen.
I really like your post. It took me a couple of reads to ensure I was understanding what you were saying.
I believe as a society we an aversion to the words slave and fear (although fear at the box office tends to roll in the $$$). If only people would understand that slavery in the biblical sense (servanthood) is not all like the slavery we know today. And, to fear God means to revere Him (not fear His harming us) should be thoroughly explained.
Still, there are sermons out there being preached on these subjects. Keep hope. People like you and me can live by example and be that candle Jesus talked about. =)
Thank you for your kind words. My favorite (as far as I’m aware) verse on fearing God is:
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! (Luke 12:5 NKJV)
No wait. I like this one, too…
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (Philippians 2:12 NKJV)
Oh, and I can’t leave this one out while I’m at it:
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10 NKJV)
A ‘fear-apple’ a day keeps the sin away