Does Our Behavior Separate us from God?

 I am presently reading a little book written by Paul Young. The title is ‘lies we believe about GOD.’

No that is not a misprint.  The only word in title that is capitalized is GOD.

Young writes many of the things we have grown to believe, about this amazing God, that possibly come from slanted information.

It is a great little book for those who have grown up with the limited view of a God of wrath and judgement.

In my growing up years I didn’t hear much about the Old testament’s understanding of  God.  I grew up hearing about Jesus and how he lived among real-life-humans who were flawed and often misguided.

I found myself, at a very young age, fascinated by how Jesus responded to Jewish traditions, rituals and "rules."

Jesus was fairly hard on those who judged others; and who were non-inclusive.  

Well, actually I didn’t think in those terms as a child.  I just know Jesus was very accepting of the "little guy."

One of the ‘lies’ Young writes about is:  “Sin separates us from God.”

It is an interesting discussion that basically conclude with Paul's statement in Romans 8: 

³⁸For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

More and more in our society, and maybe others, it is clear that people often feel that they are "unworthy" -- not good enough --  to be loved by God.  

Young's little book would be helpful for those who feel less than acceptable to God. 

In future blogs I may address more of Youngs writings.

In the mean time check out what you think God is like -- loving and gracious or a mean parent.