Come as You Are

True Christianity is the only faith that does not rely on the works of man to prove one’s worth to God. It is the only faith that actively, categorically and unashamedly tells humans, “There is nothing you can do to earn God’s love. Come to Him as you are and let Him transform you from the inside out.”

 

Some religions teach that life is a cycle in which we are continuously reincarnated. Some teach that we are to practise a life of good works and kind deeds and if God is in a good mood, He might give us bonus points. Some religions teach that God is benign, therefore we are to indulge our whim, “eat, drink and be merry” for that is His pleasure. Some religions teach that man himself is a god who is connected to the universe. They teach that it is this connectivity that makes the world go round. Some religions teach that God is only interested in those who suffer for Him. Other lifestyle movements teach that our equilibrium can only be maintained if we reach out to the being inside of us. Chanting mantras will do this, they are told. However, Christianity teaches that man cannot save himself. Only God can.

 

It seems appealing to many to deify themselves for this satisfies man’s pride. Like Satan, they think, ‘I will be like God.’ Indeed, it is not enough that God made us in His own image. It is not enough that we can have a relationship with Him should we so wish. Many scorn His existence, “Show me where He is because I certainly cannot see Him,” yet they worship gods they have built with their hands. Gods that, “cannot talk, though they have mouths, or see, though they have eyes![i]” They want a god they can control. A god who will let them satisfy their every want and desire without due consideration to their consequences. ” They want a god they can control. A god who will let them satisfy their every want and desire without due consideration to their consequences.

 

“My god loves me and I know he would like me to be happy.” I don’t know about you but the thought of serving a god that allows me to pander to my every need fills me with horror. God wants me to be happy, granted. However, He has also given me clear instructions and guidelines to follow just so I will not be hurt. Loving parents do not indulge their children’s every desire for their own protection. Why should it be different for you as a child of God?

 

Picture yourself in the worst possible situation and multiply that situation by a million. When it comes down to it, do you really think you would like to rely on your strength to get you out of that situation or would you prefer to draw on a higher Power? A God who is infinitely more than you or I could ever imagine. A God who cannot be controlled or manipulated but who instead works things out in a way that you or I could ever imagine. A God who desires to have a heart to heart relationship with you. There is no need for you to clean up your act before you come to God. It is not necessary. He made it unnecessary. That my friend, is the beauty of true Christianity.

 

Jesus cleaned up your act by dying in your place and my place on the Cross. He was completely without evil and that is the only sacrifice that will please God. All you have to do is to accept that He did this for you, for me and for mankind. And that is it; you are in a relationship with God. It is that simple. Sometimes, too simple to understand. So you can stop chanting, you can stop feeling at one with the universe (God gave it to you and I to rule, why are you letting it rule you?), and get this; you don’t have to walk on hot coals to appease any god or spirit or to prove you are good enough to join a certain spiritual group/movement. When you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you become a part of God’s family; so wake up and enjoy your inheritance.