Nougat 14

There’s a difference between squatting and kotching. A squatter identifies vacant space and appropriates it with no intention of forfeiture. S/he will set up structures and make plans for permanent stay. A kotcher is an internationally temporary resident usually in a physical space. If we had to define our sojourn on earth; how would we describe it – temporary or permanent – that is the question from today’s Holy Nougat

“So if you call God your Father, live your time as temporary residents on earth in fear. He is the God who judges all people by what they have done, and he doesn’t play favorites.” 1 Peter‬ ‭1:17‬ ‭GW‬‬

I hasten to caution that the fear Peter refers to in this instance is neither the fear of eviction for squatting, nor of being robbed – although these are all legitimate concerns. Rather, we are urged to have reverence for the One Who is able to build up or tear down in an instant; our Lord and Sovereign Creator.

The invite is not intended to convey a terror-filled response toward God. Rather, Peter desires that we direct our acts of deference and reverence God-ward, in recognition of all God represents. I will confess that sometimes I wish that the fear of God would overwhelm us and prevent us from making some choices; but I KNOW that God desires our Love and Faithfulness not our fear.

And it is our Love response to God that is likeliest to transform us from Squatting to Kotching. For we ought to live on earth with the clear conviction of our plans to be with God in Heaven. That’s our long term goal. When we opt for Kotching, we are mindful of those goals and live accordingly. It includes loving our neighbors (enough to share the Gospel by our actions and then our words), keeping God as top priority and living for God’s pleasure.

As Squatters, we failed to note that God is NOT the prince of this world, and we try to live by the social and other standards set by the prince. We try to blend in, building barns of disobedience instead of storing our treasures in Heaven. We focus on pride, dehumanizing others, doing whatever it takes to get ahead. We lie, cheat, steal and are caught up in all types of selfish acts, leaving little room for God or things of God.

There is a moment when we are each held accountable for our lifestyle and we face God in that moment. It is important that we recall that God is the Ultimate Judge; for even the prince of this world is squatting. Yes, for the earth is God’s in all its fullness, the universe is part of God’s creation. And the created is ALWAYS subject to the Creator.

If we live as God’s children, we have naught to fear when called to account for our actions. For when we reverence God now, Fear will have no place in our lives when the time comes to give an account of our lives.

What say you – Squatting or Kotching?

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May all we seek be found in Christ