Nougat 8

Have you ever tried to make a decision about something and second guessed yourself? Who hasn’t, right. Well, today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think about a decision that really needs no second guessing.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

What an invitation!

It comes with an eternal warranty. Sounds like God is sooooo desirous of keeping the connection secure. In fact, I’d argue that God is already close; but when we wander, distracted by temptation, the connection shifts. Because the brokenness engendered by sin cannot withstand the purity and perfection of God.

Unfortunately, we often buy into the lie that mediocre and finite is better than eternal and transcendent. That’s probably because we are sold on the notion of birds and bushes. You know, ’a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’. I suspect you might disagree with me; but think about it for a while.

Have you ever been tempted in such a way that it felt logical even though it wasn’t? For example, opting for a snack because you’re ‘dying’, only to realize that had you waited a few minutes more there would be better, more satisfying (and probably healthier) food than what you ate previously. Or opting against a purchase or studies or a particular choice only to discover later that the overlooked choice was actually the best, and offered far higher yields? Hmmn

Of course, we know that Jesus said it is our feet that need cleansing and some would say it is the heart. But we also know (at least, in my culture) that when we wash our hands off someone, we we’ve absolved ourselves from every responsibility, that is we relinquish control. Washing our hands is one way of saying we’re done with the ‘mess’ and ‘miss’ of our mistakes; in exchange for the message of God’s grace and joy in Jesus Christ.

Now that’s a good deal.

And, it also means that our loyalty is not divided between God and life’s little temptations. Not easy, but there’s an even greater news: just like when we shower continuously and not once for always; so it is when we mess up. We can wash again, and draw closer to God again and again and again – because God’s waiting. Waiting for us to see beyond the veil of the lies we’ve been sold. Waiting for us to discover the joy of being well and truly loved.

Will we take the chance?

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May all we seek be found in Christ