I’m not sure what it is about the word “free” that I do not understand. I wanted to find out who called me so I googled the words “reverse phone number lookup.” Almost instantly I got a list of websites that promised me they would do it for free. Every single one of them told me they found it but then wanted me to pay to see what they found. I finally figured out that “free lookup” meant just that. The “lookup” was free. They just would not tell me for free. Alas.
I guess the old saying, “There is no free lunch” is still true. There is a price for everything. So when I say to you that salvation is free, I also have to explain there is an expectation that once one accepts God’s gift of grace, one will with God’s help embark upon a quest to be a better person. Being a better person is not a reverse payment for the gift. It’s a desire implanted in our hearts that comes with the gift. It’s all God’s work from start to finish. He doesn’t start it and we finish it. Oh no. It’s just that once we let Him in, He starts cleaning house. Maybe God has OCD and needs everything to be in order. In I Corinthians Paul speaks of God living in us. We are His temple. I guess He just can’t quite stand to live in a messy place.
I never thought about God having OCD prior to this. I do know that when I meet people who need everything to be perfect that is the usual diagnosis. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus did mention His Father’s perfection.
Written by Roger Bothwell on September 14, 2011
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org