I DON’T LIKE HIM
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:19, NIV
Theme: A person can know about God, yet not believe in Him.
BIG PAIN
I know people who know about God, maybe even followed Him for a time, but have been hurt somehow and decided to turn away. They decided, “God’s real but I don’t like Him.” Whether pain is caused by abuse, loss of a loved one, “unanswered” prayer, failure, unfair punishment, or misunderstanding, their pain has caused a dislike of God.
Hurt people, who already know God, either run to Him or away from Him in their darkest hours. Knowing about God doesn’t always result in saving belief in Him. Each person needs to overcome the “problem of pain,” as C.S. Lewis called it, in order to mature in their faith.
All of us will face big pain in life. If I haven’t experienced it yet, I can expect it in the future. God can carry me through any challenge but only if I turn to Him and don’t allow my painful circumstances to disrupt our relationship.
BELIEF LIKE A DEMON
What kind of belief in God does a demon have? “Even the demons believe that [there is one God] - and shudder” (James 2:19b, NIV). They believe with no doubt but also no love. “And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing” (1Corinthians 13:2, ESV). Demons may have power, knowledge and faith. However, they don’t love God. They are afraid of God and suspicious of Him. Demons do not thank God, follow His teaching, serve Him, or tell others about His goodness. Demons believe there is one God, the same God I believe in. Yet, they serve Satan. They manipulate, lie, and confuse. Belief isn’t enough. Without love, it is nothing.
CHRISTIAN ATHEIST
If I have saving faith in Jesus, I won't just know God, I will also love Him. I will be thankful for His gifts. I will turn to Him when I’m hurt. I will not merely believe in creation or acknowledge one God from a distance. God will change my actions and my life. The term “Christian Atheist” is an oxymoron. Yet, I can think of some people who consider themselves Christians and might fit the term. I don't want to let that be me!
Make It Personal: Consider the term “Christian Atheist” by thinking about your gut response to the following questions:
• If what defines me is violence and hate, can I really be following God?
• When I don’t love my neighbor, can I still love God sincerely?
• Do I ever prefer oppression (when it elevates me) to justice (that might remove an advantage)?
• When I think about God, am I thankful?
• Do I ever talk to God just because He is on my mind?
• What differentiates my faith from the knowledge that demons and Satan himself have?
Pray: Oh God, please help me to love and follow You, regardless of the cost or my own inadequacy. I don’t love all the time and the love I do have for You and for others can be choppy or inconsistent. Help me to move in the direction of more love, not less. Take my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. Help me to know You and love You. Please give me the opportunity to help and love others, even (and especially) ones that have big pain, no love, or who hate their neighbors. That’s hard for me. I know all things are possible with You. Thank You for the cross, for Jesus’ example, and for second chances. Please let me intercede for others who need a second chance this week. Maybe that’s me. Thanks for being a forgiving and loving God … even when we aren’t forgiving or loving people. Amen.
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Ezekiel 36:26; 1 John 4:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27, ESV