12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
What would life be like for you if you had the freedom and confidence that you are lacking? I’m not talking about a class in influencing people or increasing your sales potential. I am talking about something much more fundamental, much more important. I am talking about that state of being where you know that your sins are forgiven and you can stand before God and everyone else without shame. What would you be doing differently spiritually if that were the case? Would you be reaching out, speaking more, more open to others, quieter in spirit, calmer, more assertive? True freedom and confidence begins when we recognize and take full advantage of our access to God. When we are moving in that arena, all other arenas are small spaces. When we can look straight into God’s face and know we are accepted, wow, what a liberating experience! And if you can walk in God’s presence with you head held high, imagine what you will be able to do in front of mere people. You see, when we get our relationship with God in order, every other aspect of life takes on a new perspective, a new scale. This earthly realm is not as big and important as it used to be. Other’s opinions don’t seem to matter as much when God’s opinion of us is one of acceptance. When we are not bound by looking over our shoulder or around the next corner for a disapproving look or word, we are free to move in the full potential God made us to enjoy. Before you think about standing before God and asking for that new mansion or any other earthly good, remember that He is in charge. There is no arm-twisting with God. We will always loose. Earthly comfort is not the ultimate goal. Being like Him is. So next time you hear someone trying to tell you that God wants you to have some earthly ‘thing’, ask yourself, is this going to make me more like God or more like some rich earthly snob? Remember the difficulty of a rich person getting into the kingdom. Poverty is not necessarily godly, but filthy rich without overwhelming generosity is definitely not like God. If we are to become imitators of Him, then we must match His giving. He gave everything for us. Can we do any less? That would take freedom and confidence!
The Arnold Journey 