NO COMPULSION IN THE THINGS OF GOD

12 Dec

“And if the servant shall plainly say, I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free: then his master shall bring him unto the judges; he shall also bring him to the door, or unto the door post; and his master shall bore his ear through with an aul; and he shall serve him forever.” Exodus 21:5-6 (KJV)

Christianity is an open-door system. In other words, you can choose not to serve God. And He will respect your choice. God will not stop you, but you will also be ready for the consequences. There is always a choice! God will not force you! He wants you to have a free choice, whether you will serve Him or not.

The devil has no power over lives. It is all about the choices you are making. The book of Exodus 21:5 is a declaration of the type of love that God wants from us as His children. God wants us to love Him, but not out of fear. God wants the love that is not coming out of manipulation. A love that is not coming out of coercion. No Pressure! No blackmail! No intimidation! A love that is not making a demand on you to give. A love that comes out of a choice. A love that is in response to who the Master is to you. That is the type of love that God wants from His children.

Notice that the slave chose to love his master. His master didn’t compel him. It was in appreciation of what the master has done for him. His choice must have been informed by the kindness of his master. It was an outpouring of deep emotional feelings. He didn’t just know how to express his appreciation. He said I love my master. When you truly acknowledge and appreciate the goodness of God in your life, you become totally committed to Him.

The slave declared his love plainly and unashamedly. He said it before everyone. He wanted everyone to hear and to know that he loved his master. He was ready to do his master’s bidding.

NO COMPULSION IN THE THINGS OF GOD