But What If God Doesn't Love Me?

One of the major themes in the Old Testament is God's condemnation of idolatry. He wanted His people to think about and serve Him in a particular way. In broad terms, idolatry was any deviation from God's prescribed form of worship. In specific terms, idolatry encompasses the first three of the 10 commandments. First, God was to be the only God. Second, the people of God were not to make an image of God in any form. It is important to grasp the second commandment because, oftentimes, we think of false gods as idols. However, the commandment is not to make an image of the Only God as well as any god. This was the problem with the golden calf - Aaron told them that the God that delivered them from Egypt was the golden statue. Their intentions may have been good, but their hearts and minds were not devoted to the One God who cannot be represented through gold, wood, or stone. And, third, God's people were not invoke His name when swearing oaths. The Name of God is holy, and, therefore, should only be used for Holy purposes.

Many professing Christians may not bow down to carved images. However, idolatry is rampant in the American church. Take for instance an experience I had this morning. As I was waiting at a red light to make left turn, members of a local church - Vantage Point - passed out cold water to all the drivers in the turning lane. It was a great gesture. It was kind. The ice-cold water actually refreshed me. In addition to the bottle of water, the church members passed out a "business" card with the church's logo and the following message: "This is our simple way of saying that...GOD LOVES YOU." Undoubtedly the inspiration for such a kind and thoughtful gesture came from Christ's own words in Matthew 25:35-40. Christ tells His disciples that, at the Final Judgment, the sheep will be blessed because they gave drink, food, and comfort to Him.

Of course, many Christians and preachers stop at the good works we should do to fellow human beings. But is that what Christ says? If we continue in the passage, Jesus is very specific: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BROTHERS, you did it to me." Notice the distinction Jesus makes between those who are His family and those who are not. Our first priority, says Jesus, is to take care of the Church. Why? Because in taking care of the Church, we are taking care of Him. He is intimately connected to His church. This is why Christ told Saul of Tarsus that he was persecuting Him as disciples were being slaughtered.

But Americans today do not like the idea that God only loves some people. They cannot stomach a God who chooses to love some and hate others. Even the word "hate" is seen as an evil word, especially when applied to God. But, as Paul said, "let God be true and every man a liar." God, Himself, said He hated Esau. Jesus was anything but loving to the Pharisees and teachers of the law. In fact, He pronounced curses on them. And, we should never forget, that the cross is both a sign of love and hate. Love for those whose sins were forgiven; hate for those who were kept in their sins.

So when I receive a card that says, "God Loves You," I, of course, glory in God's grace towards me. However, we should not represent God as a Universal Lover of Mankind. He never reveals Himself this way. To believe, teach, act, or speak, otherwise is a form of idolatry. In a world that desperately needs the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we should be all the more earnest to present Him truthfully. The fact is, the Father only loves those who are connected to the Son. Unless, of course, you believe that Christ denying those who deny Him as a "loving" act. We need to let God be God - let Him make the distinctions, not us.