Yesterday a colleague confronted me about a decision I made affecting his life. As I sat reflecting on the issues that he waited patiently for my response, I took an open and honest inventory of the situation. My decision and the way I delivered it were beyond ambiguity, everything was laying out for both of us to see in the plain, harsh reality of daylight. The obvious motive behind my action was clear to both of us without any analysis. My implied statement was plain, direct, black and white, and simple in his eyes. While I did not realize just what I was saying when I took the decision and communicated the results, I agreed that there was little room for interpretation.
I told a friend a colleague that he was of no use to me. I communicated that he was merely a useful tool that I could easily replace. I thought I could get away with something and I tried. I was wrong on all counts.
God could easily take the same approach with each of us. We are, on a good day, of little use to him. Since God created us, replacing us is well within his range of capabilities and I do not think he has any resource constraints! Who would hold God accountable? Who would tell him that justice is not what we want?
God firmly, absolutely, and with no ambiguity took the opposite course. “…God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” (Romans 5.8) God stated bluntly that we are of the highest value and worth everything to him. God communicated this in an open way that is beyond question, and yet he allows us to challenge and question him!
Yesterday I said I was sorry to someone who is very important to me. Yesterday I told a friend that he is important, valuable, and deserved only the best.
God tells us that we are his child and friend. God loves you.
