“So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper. So I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Hebrew 13:6

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.” Galatians 1:10

“I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:11

What causes so many of us to deny God? From my experience I would say that there are two things that cause us to deny…one is the fear of repentance. To admit our sins and to choose to turn away from them though those sins may cause us pleasure and two is a fear of man. A fear of worrying about what some other person will think of us.

I think we can all admit our society has become more judgmental than ever before. People seem to be more full of criticism and hate than ever before. Or maybe it has always been so and it is more visible through today’s technology. Regardless, I realize now that criticism and hate in this world can only bring you down in this short lifetime. But has no reflection on our eternity. We take great risk in dwelling on the pointless and meaningless judgments of our fellow man.

We were afforded a wonderful gift at conception. We were given life. And if we use that gift wisely and for the purpose God intended we have a second gift waiting…eternal life. It is so refreshing waking up each morning knowing that if today was the last day on earth for me I will be with my creator where there is no more pain and struggle. Yet I do fear that many that are important to me will perish and I will not see them again. It is for this reason that as I learn and understand purpose and responsibility to God’s law I desire to share. I do not want the grave to be the end of my relationships with those I hold close to my heart. Look at your parents, your children, your dearest friends…can you imagine never seeing them again? Can you imagine them being condemned?

A speaker once asked how you would feel if he gave you $1,000,000. You would be grateful correct? What if he offered you $10,000,000? Ecstatic? But what if that $10,000,000 came with a catch. You get the money today but you will die tomorrow. Would you take the money? Of course not. You want to live. Your life is worth more to you. Yet we wake up in the morning complaining about our lives. Though our day to day problems may seem large to us individually none are too difficult for God if we seek Him and know that not only will he get us through but that His gift of eternal life awaits.

Your soul has a body that allows you to live your life on earth. But that body is for short term use. This gift is provided with the only catch being that we love one another, spread kindness, and trust in our creator with love and faith. And though we should do our best to preserve our bodies for the duration of life given to each of us we should truly be focused on the health and future of our soul. Are you so worried about what another person thinks of you more so than what your creator thinks?

Lord thank you for the gift of life and for your promise of eternal life. Lord I love my family and friends and I pray that you burden the hearts of those who do not know you yet that they may experience your presence and seek your grace and salvation. I pray that we, as a society, draw closer to you and turn our backs on hate, criticism and anger toward one another. May we strive to live our lives as Jesus did. With a pure heart and kind nature. In Jesus’ name, Amen.