Wells of Mercy, Depths of Love

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Thus there will be three effects of nearness to Jesus—humility, happiness, and holiness." 

For a very long time I've been involved with the Church on some level or another.  First, in my childhood, I attended Sunday school.  In my teen years, along with Sunday School and youth bible classes, I spent time at bible camps and retreats.  And then in my late teens and early twenties I attended a small college level bible school for a couple of years.  In all these endeavors, I learned much about God and His children as well as those who merely come along for the ride.  

As a youth I had an idealistic picture of what being a Christian meant.  But as I grew up those idealistic notions and clear boundaries of Christianity were called into question.  I was introduced to the idea of tolerance and acceptance of others, by way of new found "christian" friends who seemed to have looser interpretations of scripture than I'd ever held to or been taught to believe.

I've met many "christians" along the way and more and more, as I live, I realize that grace and mercy, though clearly defined for us in scripture, are deeper wells than I'd ever imagined them to be.   But what I've also learned is the fact that, though the wells of mercy and grace are indeed infinitely deep, only the repentant may drink of them.  

What I couldn't understand about the "christian" friends I'd had back then, was their ability to bank on the mercy of God for any given compromise they would freely make.  There were many matters of conscience I'd had, which ranged from the choice of music we would listen to, to the places we would go for entertainment.  I never could understand how my friends could enjoy hanging out in a seedy bar to listen to a secular band play.  I did tag along a time or two, but it went against every fiber of my being.  And after a while of being brought into such situations of compromise, I just had to distance myself from those who seemed to be walking down a very different road.  It was difficult for me, because I was told "do not judge", yet all the while, the things being done and accepted seemed so out of character for someone who was "after God's own heart".   I can honestly claim that I learned to look the other way and not judge, but in making my stand for what I considered sin, I lost many friends.  

As of today most of those "christian" friends have left the Christian Faith.  In my most nonjudgmental way I have to admit that this doesn't take me by surprise.  You see, these, who were so liberal in their interpretations of scripture, were also the most critical of my faith and desire to be faithful.  And they were also the ones to push the "boundaries" of holiness continually, even laughing at and mocking me for my convictions.  

Though I wouldn't say that religion saves a man, I will say that a permissive nature often indicates an un-yielded heart that has been given over to the flesh.   In my experience, it hasn't been those who "live it up", while banking upon God's mercy, who have understood the love of God.   It's been the humble and the joyful and the obedient people that I've known, who love God and understand His mercy.  

I am not religious.  I am one who has seen the depths of God's well of mercy and fallen deeply in love with Him for it.  And that love compels me to pursue holiness in every way.