This journal entry was originally submitted as a college course assignment.

How can God, who is moral pure (and exercises justice/judgment) also be loving? There seems to be some 'tension' between His moral purity and love...

At first glance, it can seem there is tension between God's moral purity and His love. But when researching the issue further, we would discover a different outcome. When God spoke to Adam and explained the consequences of eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17), He gave one of His first 'commandments' on how Adam and Eve were to live. He established a baseline for His moral purity as disobedience to His instruction would bring death (and eternal separation). When Adam disobeyed God and brought death (and sin) to mankind, God drew a line of where His moral purity began (and ended).

Throughout the Scriptures, we gain additional insight to the boundaries of God's moral purity and the frame of our own before Him. We discover the things He hates (Proverbs 6:16-19) and learn who can stand within His holy place (Psalm 24:3-5). We also learn how righteousness and justice are the habitation of His throne, while mercy, loving-kindness, and truth goes before His face (Psalm 89:14).

How can this be? Even as our iniquities have separated us from Him - like the Israelites (Isaiah 59:2), we experience His mercy, loving-kindness, and truth. We deserve the penalty of death brought through the disobedience of Adam, yet God's love made a way for us to live in eternal fellowship once again (Romans 6:23).

Erickson states that "God's justice requires that there be payment of the penalty of sin. God's love however, desires humans to be restored to fellowship with him" (Erickson, 324).

As a loving parent, God established His moral standard, yet His love abounded. His standard of moral purity has not diminished. The penalty of sin hasn't changed. The penalty remains for those that choose not place their belief and faith in His Son, Jesus. But it was God who loved us so much that He sent His only Son (John 3:16). It was God who looked upon His creation and provided a way for the penalty to be paid - through His Son.

Throughout the Biblical record, the greatest message is God's love for the world. In spite of our continued wickedness and sin, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). In the midst of our 'best' actions which seem as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6), God’s love abounded.

To those that say there is tension, I would respectfully disagree. There is only tension for those that choose not to believe and accept God's ability to provide appropriation for our sinful acts. Jesus is the bridge from His moral purity and the extension of His love toward mankind. God's moral purity and love are capsulated in Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son to be born and die for people that deserved to die. That is a pure and awesome love...how can we fathom its depth and breath?

Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998.

There are times when you get so caught up with 'life' and listening to people's advice that you feel like you're on a roller coaster. One minute you're up, the next second you're down...and you feel pushed and pulled in every direction. Every time you try to settle down, someone has a 'word' of advice or another opportunity to volunteer or do something to enhance your career or status. Without thinking, you agree to volunteer and take on new things without the slightest thought of the consequences.

There are many good things in this life to do, but not all of them will benefit you.

If you get to a point where you feel pushed, pulled, and controlled by everyone but yourself (and God), then it may be time to get your 'identity' back. See, a stolen identity in this context is living a life that is not ideally YOUR life. You’re living a little of this person...and that person…and one more over there. You spend so much time living by other people's standards and suggestions, that your own 'voice' is smothered. Your time doesn't seem like your own and you're constantly on the run. So much of your time is spent running around that you don't have an opportunity to complete all of your responsibilities. Those things that should be done in excellence are barely getting any attention and falling to the wayside.

What about your relationship with God?

Depending on what you've been doing and for who, you may not feel you have time to read your Bible, pray, fellowship, or study. You feel like a servant to the clock and people, trying to squeeze in as much as you can in 24 hours. Is that how you want to live your life?

No one can get approval to 'run' your life without your 'YES.'

Maybe you thought you could handle all of the projects; you didn't want to hurt someone's feelings; you wanted to be successful; or you genuinely wanted to help. There comes a time in your life when you have to take an inventory and ask yourself if this is how you want to live. Is the life you're living pleasing to God? Have you even had time to consider it? Is your life focused on building a strong Christian testimony to the world? Or is it trying to build a successful career or name among it?

There may be people around you (Lord willing) that have said something to you about the number of tasks you're taking on and want to help. Instead of ignoring their help, take a moment to think about what should be the most important thing(s) in your life and place your focus there. If you feel it's getting a promotion over some other aspect of serving God, then that's your choice. You have the right to choose, but with each choice comes a consequence. Some consequences are good and others are bad, but it will come...unless you change (and repent).

Choose to serve the Lord!

When you take a moment to sift through the issues of your life, you may discover hindrances to your ultimate purpose in Christ. It is at this moment when you have to make the decision to change. Change does not come easy and it probably won't make people happy, but are you trying to please people or God?! Be a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ and not one that barely makes time for Him. Let your love be for Him and not for the world...GET YOUR IDENTITY BACK!

1 John 2:15-17 (KJV) - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Many believers today want to 'keep it real.' They want to maintain their status as being 'strong' so they don't seem weak among the world - and no one will try to take advantage of them. They want people to know that they still ain't the one to mess with. But keeping it real may build a border of 'protection' around you in society, but it doesn't do much for your position before the Lord...or your testimony before others.

John 13:35 (KJV) - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The basis of our actions should be love - love for God and our fellow man. And within the context of loving our brethren, it should be done in a manner that we would want someone to do to us.

Would you want someone giving you a 'piece' of their mind because they want to keep it real?! Would you want someone to treat you badly because they don’t want to be bothered?!

I thought so...

We must be cognizant of our thoughts and behavior to ensure we are keeping things God's way. The world's way may bring respect (or fear) in others, but it doesn’t help your Christian witness before them or God.

Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV) - Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Matthew 5:39 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Matthew 5:40 (KJV) - And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

Matthew 5:41 (KJV) - And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

Matthew 5:42 (KJV) - Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Matthew 5:43-48 (KJV) - Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

These can be some hard verses for the flesh...it doesn't want to give in, give up, or lie down. It will fight for its 'right' to have its way:

Galatians 5:16-24 (KJV) - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

You don't have to keep it 'real,' you can 'keep it God.' All things are possible through God...so ask for His help, mercy, and strength to stand. Make the choice to crucify the flesh. Stay in the Word of God and read (and study) the conduct Jesus established for us (through the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John). Allow His Words to saturate your mind , heart, and soul.

...keep it God!

The decision toward change can often bring no change. You've decided that a change was necessary, but you still feel stuck...

Hold on to the concept of change! Don't let it go! Stay committed to change!

Sometimes this period can bring the most resistance. Satan and the flesh aren't having any part of a return to God and can/will amplify its attacks and desires to keep you lulled in sin. When this happens, you can be blinded into believing that change isn’t possible and it is better for you to stay where you are. THAT'S NOT TRUE!! It is far, far worse for you to stay in a condition of sin before the Father (Galatians 6:7-9). You must be determined to change!

A determined life is one that is willing to fight!

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (KJV) - Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

If we were running in a race, most people don't train to be last or left behind. They have a rigorous schedule and system that will allow them to maximize their potential and athletic abilities. They want to obtain the prize. Likewise, we should live our lives in the same fashion.

As we 'run' in the race of life, we should train and live to obtain the prize. If we're going to do that, then we must be disciplined in every area of our lives. There will be some areas that will be easier than others, but as the Apostle Paul describes above, we too should keep our body under subjection.

How do I do that?

If you want to change the course of your life, it begins in the mind...and follows through with action.

Many times we defeat ourselves even before the trial or test begins. Many people can spend an entire day allowing their minds to wander in areas that should be off-limits. Then when the 'trial' comes, they're surprised when they act out what they've been thinking.

If you want to change your living, change your thinking.

The mind is one of the major areas of attack (temptation). You can also be 'attacked' through one of your senses (i.e. smell, sight, touch, hearing, taste). When any attack may come, you must be strong mentally to fend off any suggestions to indulge in sinful behavior.

Sadly, we as Christians don't speak enough about taming the thoughts in our mind. Many of us are 'geared' to allow the mind to wander free - without restraint or control. For example, have you ever taken a long drive or walk and found yourself thinking about all kinds of things and then you 'come to yourself' and say, 'Where did that come from?' 'How was I thinking about that?

There will be times when you must take an offensive or defensive approach.

1. Offensive

I would tell you to always be on the offense. You can be on the offense by filling your mind with the things of God (i.e. God; His goodness, mercy, and grace; His Word, etc.). You want to build a life that is encompassed with the Father. Now, there may be times when there is a 'challenge' to this - for instance at work, but there are subtle reminders you can place around you; sing praises in your heart; and read scriptures throughout the day. (This doesn't mean you shouldn't do your job with excellence, for that is a part of your Christian witness and testimony...AMEN!)

2. Defensive

We can't control every situation. No matter how much we duck, dodge, or dive (hint, hint), some temptations find their way in front of us. Therefore, when we encounter these situations, we can take the same position as Jesus...by responding with the Word of God:

Matthew 4:1-11 (KJV) - Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

REMEMBER: NEVER LOSE SITE OF YOUR MENTAL STATE...IF IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S DRIFTING, BRING IT BACK!

Reference: Luke 15:11-32

There comes a time when we may feel far away from the Lord. We may even remain in the church, going through the 'motions' of church worship, Bible study, Sunday School, and every other event in the church. Though our physical bodies remain in church, our hearts and minds are far, far away. We remember past days when we felt on fire and in the very center of God's will, but something happened. We may be able to identify a specific incident and others may not, but the results are unmistakable. Week after week, we sit in church services wondering why we don't feel the same as before.

Is something wrong with me?! What am I doing wrong?! Where is the Father?!

We want to speak to God, but few words come out or even to our mind. We feel isolated and may even isolate ourselves...only creating a deeper abyss of pain, fear, and defeat.

We want to live as God wills, but the mountain of change seems too great. We want to turn things around for the better, but how can we if we don't know where to begin. We may even feel ashamed for drifting so far...

There came a point when son that departed in the referenced parable came to himself - realizing his current condition and the way of return. I think this is important for those that desire a return 'home.' There comes a time when we must not only come to the realization that things are different, but accept responsibility for the way they are and know there is a way 'home.' After all that happened in the son’s life, he knew he could return to his father. How much more can we?!

Acts 17:28a (KJV) - For in him we live, and move, and have our being

We must make the trek back to the Father. (A return to God isn't about the others around us either!) See, the son in the parable wasn't concerned about his brother - only the father. For us, a time may come to reconcile broken relationships, but restoration must begin with the Father first!

As you make your return to the Father, you return as the son did, with humility and a repentant heart. You can return to Him in the comfort of your home, car, or before the church congregation. The physical location doesn't matter...only the 'location' of your heart and mind before Him. Even if you make a return to church, remain committed to rebuilding your life with God. Remain without pride, offense, and anger. Allow the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to fill you completely. Allow God's Word to cleanse your path (Psalm 119:9). Let change begin!

Are you tired of eating pig slop? A change is waiting for you today!