Real Faith

As I recall my childhood, I do indeed have some great memories: riding ocean waves with Dad [while Mom watched frantically from the beach], eating sardines with Papa on the back porch [because Granny said they smelled too bad to eat in the kitchen], catching lightning bugs at Daddy Bill and Nanny’s [then watching them blink from the jar until I fell asleep]. Sweet memories! We are [rightfully] eager to read of and experience the deep and abiding Love of God – a hallmark of Faith.  We are negligent, however, to equally consider truths of God’s judgments against sin. A. W. Tozer writes, “That dreamy sentimental faith which ignores the judgments of God against us … is as deadly as cyanide.” God’s warnings against sin are not casual; He does so for our best and His good: “Rejoice, young man, in your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant in the days of your young manhood. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the desires of your eyes, but know that God will bring you into judgments for all these things.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9). We can almost hear King Solomon’s heart as he recalls past choices to selfishly enjoy the pleasantries in spite of God’s eventual judgments from God.  I [also] am not free of regrets – foolish choices that linger in present judgments and consequences.  What joy to know the all-encompassing Love of The Father but never forget His Judgment. This is the real faith in which we are called to walk day-by-day. Lord, may it ever be so!