Love on restriction

Good morning!

I have been reading this really intriguing book called "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller and he explains the thoughts and patterns of the current post-modern society. He writes on their skepticism and doubts toward God and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The chapter I read last night was very moving and piqued by curiosity. The name of the chapter was titled "Christianity is a Straightjacket." Talk about a title first of all! Uffda! The chapter deals with the exclusivity associated with Christianity and how there are certain standards that we adhere to and not everyone fits into them--primarily because they choose not to fit into them. (I want to be clear, as did Dr. Keller, that the message of Christianity is for everyone and is meant to be available for all. However, some choose to reject the claims of Jesus Christ, remain unregenerate, and then persecute the church for being "narrow-minded." These are the skeptics addressed in this chapter.)

Out of Dr. Keller's argument, he argued that love, which is infinitely found in Jesus Christ Himself, must contain discipline. In fact, Dr. Keller states that any freedom is only found when there are restrictions applied to that freedom. To make his case, Keller gives an illustration of a fish. A fish is only free when it is restricted to water. If you were to put this fish on the grass it would not be free for it would die. Hence, restrictions lead to freedom.

With a love relationship, persons must also adjust to one another for their love to grow. (This makes sense.) So in order for that love to grow, there must be other restrictions placed the relationship so that freedom with your significant other can develop. Keller states this is the same with Jesus Christ. We are asked to restrict and conform ourselves, but we can wonder, what about God? Well, He has already done it. He came as Jesus, restricted Himself to a human body, and took on our sins to give us life and freedom in Him.

I finished reading this and was blown away. It has been awhile since I have been absolutely floored by a message, but this one did. In order for us to be free and attain the freedom we so desperately need, we have to restrict ourselves because it is for our good! Otherwise, God would have found another way. God is His infinite wisdom once again strives to set us right with Him, and He did in the only way that would completely renew us, and that is through Jesus Christ.

Friends, if you haven't accepted that great message of Jesus Christ, please do so now! In Him you will find all the strength and freedom you could ever desire. I promise this life won't be easier, but following Jesus never has been. BUT the sacrifice of yourself will give NEW life to you and bring you to the utmost joy and experience this life can even offer. Let the restrictions take hold of you--You will know the unsurpassing love that contains us all so completely.

Heavenly Father, I am grateful that you have spoken. Speak now and reveal your glorious heart to this world, that they may know you and honor you. Father, you have restricted us so that we could find absolute freedom. Thank you. Father, turn this world upside down with your ridiculous, crazy, unfathomable love. Great is the power of the Cross, and I thank you for it everyday, Jesus. Renew me in your promises and strengthen me by your truths. Great are you, Holy Spirit, who I long to be under your complete control. You are amazing Great God! Amen.