The Price of Praise

            A while back I had a conversation with an individual we will fictitiously call Bill.  In this dialogue, Bill said, “I have a relationship with God, but I do not accept Jesus.”  Not knowing what Bill meant, I asked him about his statement.  Bill explained that the thought of Jesus dying for the sins of mankind was barbaric and cruel.  The thought that God would hold anyone accountable for their sins was petty and judgmental.  How could God send anyone to Hell and still claim to be a loving God?  This thought deeply bothered Bill’s sensitivities. As the conversation continued, I asked Bill what it cost his god to forgive him. After Bill pondered the question, he said: “Well, nothing, I guess.”  Well-spoken.  If you do not believe in Hell, you have no idea of a God who would take Hell upon Himself.  Without Hell, without divine perfection, without God’s infinite love, how can you understand that God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to taste death and absorb our rightful punishment?

            In our “anything goes” culture, it is increasingly difficult for people to accurately understand God.  People today struggle with God’s perfection.  It surprises them that God cannot abide evil, that He cannot tolerate cruelty, and that He is absolutely holy.  When people minimize sin and its consequences, little do they realize that they minimize God’s love, mercy, and grace as well.  The more holy we see God as being, the more loving we can then see Him to be when we reflect on the redemptive work of Jesus.  It can be compared to a pendulum that swings from side to side.  If the pendulum is only moved slightly to one side, it will only swing slightly to the other side.  When we dare to accurately take God at His word and see the horrific consequences of sin, when we comprehend the terrible reality of Hell, then we are swept off our feet when the good news of Jesus is presented to us.  God dares to challenge our thinking with what He tells us in the Bible.  God does not minimize or apologize regarding His righteous nature.  He also does not downplay His love and compassion.

            I often wonder why so many people in this world are indifferent toward God.  My guess is that they are unaware of their dire situation.  Little do they realize that their souls are being eaten by the cancerous effects of sin.  They do not know about the devastating future that awaits them.  The lies of Satan have numbed their hearts.  It is in this darkness that the Good News of Jesus appears so vague.  The sweet symphony of salvation falls on deafened ears.  Over the last few weeks, I have written about the importance of adoring and praising God.  Every day should be considered an opportunity to praise God and bask in the glory of His love.  Keep looking up!