my little god

‘Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished’ Malachi 1:14

Christians aren’t into Jesus because we’re eager to win his favour, but because we’re thankful for what he’s already lavished on us. He has given us forgiveness and because of that we get to walk with God every day. As if that’s not enough, He keeps giving us amazing stuff – like friends, family, food, peace, nature, money, health and, for some of us at least, really really good looks.

I’ve been thinking a bit about the things that get in the way of me giving God my best in return, and I reckon pretty often it’s the good things he grants me. Malachi reminded me of this – where did the good sheep come from in the first place? God. What would be the logical thing to do in response to this? Praise God for it. But what do I do? The sheep / friend / money etc becomes the object of my praise, and God gets sloppy seconds.

How tiring it is to have to maintain it too! Once I have the money/peace/good looks I’ve always wanted I’m terrified of losing it because without my little replacement god I’m nothing. That’s what’s so amazing about God – we don’t have to maintain him because he’s not our construction, and we don’t have to strive for his acceptance because he’s already given it. What liberating relief!

photo taken from flickr 5/5/09 – posted by vicki burton