Nougat 25

Hi

I remember one of my mentors insisting that the Christian way is about relationships. Taking my mentor‘s premise seriously, I’d argue that the Christian has to be concerned with three sets of relationships. Us with self; us with others; and us with God.

Of course all relationships have a Faith component. The element that shapes what we believe or expect from another at a given time. Some of that stems from what we actually Know, some from others’ Experiences, and some from our perception of ourselves and/or unrelated others in similar circumstances. This faith element often directs our actions around the other, even if it is misguided.

In reflecting on today’s Holy Nougat it may be instructive to think about what we believe about God, and the source of the faith we profess in God.

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall again into fear; rather, you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:15 TLV

• How do we see our relationship with God; is it about legalism of ‘Thou shalts’ and ‘Thou shalt nots’ with constant threat of punishment; or is it about family ties with respect and obedience rooted in love and trust?

(As we think about our response, let us also ask ourselves what it is that we demonstrate to the world)

• If we are rooted in legalism, one finds that we are obeying out of Fear; the mentality that Paul refers to as ‘slavery’. This is problematic because the enslaved is not privy to the master’s heart; only to their oversight and commands.

• If we have a family relationship, and I pray that we do, then despite God’s obvious authority role; we can interact – sharing opinions, asking questions, operating with openness and love. It doesn’t mean that we take God for granted – not at all. Rather, our intimacy confirms that God seeks our BEST interest Always. Even if it seems otherwise.

It is that intimacy that gives the confidence to cry out to God: ‘Abba! Help’ at ANY time.

A quick note of caution

I have found that for me God is not an overindulgent parent who simply lavishes gifts without consideration. Expect to hear No from God. Query, process and continue to build relationship. Nor is God good ole St Nick, who’s ‘gonna find out who is naughty or nice’, and thus withhold simply to punish. There are consequences to our actions – even the laws of Physics support that. But as Divine parent, I experience God as securing my wellbeing, even when my actions may run afoul of that.

And that’s why I confidently cry out to God in any situation. Even after receiving a loud ‘bouf’ (embarrassing, public “No”). I don’t always like the answer; I may even ask why; I might even play the comparison card (trust me – it NEVER works); but I go to God with the certainty that God IS listening; and will answer me.

Sometimes I do hesitate to call on God, and that’s usually my knowing the answer is not going to be in my favour, my forgetting who and Whose I am; or my recognition that I am not wholly sure what it is that I truly desire. Yet, even in those moments, God says ‘Come!’

As God’s children, let’s approach the throne Boldly.

In Christ’s love and grace . . .