Passwords and PIN numbers are part of our everyday life now
aren’t they? Everything we do seems to have some level of protection to it,
especially if you use the internet. It might be dealing with Credit cards,
accounts or even buying groceries… almost everything.
I was reminded of this the other day, by my wife, Melody. I
was getting ready to leave the house and she kissed me lovingly and said, 'Be
careful and come home to me". I said, 'I will!" She looked me deep in
the eyes and said, 'I mean it, you stay safe and come back to me," and
paused. I was touched at her concern,
then she finished her thought by saying, "After all, you're the only one
who knows all of the passwords." I sometimes forget what a good sense of
humor she has… at least I think she was kidding.
Passwords are important. They help keep us safe and get us
into places we want to go; they are part of the "rules of our modern
world," so to speak. You have to go through the proper procedure.
Identification (ID), user names and passwords are required for us to operate
within the system.
Understanding that, it surprises me at how many people
object to God placing restrictions and requirements on their lives. They want
to have a relationship with God, they want to enter his presence, his kingdom,
yet they don't want to follow his rules.
God, in His Word, says, "Do this," or "Don't
do this." He says, "This is acceptable behavior," and "This
is unacceptable." He says, "If you want to be part of my kingdom and
go to Heaven, here are the rules." Yet people insist on saying, 'God
really didn't mean it, you have to change to rules to meet the times."
Isn't it funny that God ends his wonderful book with these
words in Revelation 22:14-19 "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may
have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the
murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. "I,
Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the
Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." The Spirit
and the bride say, "Come!" And let the one who hears say,
"Come!" Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes
take the free gift of the water of life. I warn everyone who hears the words of
the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to
that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words
away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any
share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this
scroll."
Funny isn't it that folks want God who offers them eternal
life, but they won't listen to his requirements? Yet, they follow the rules of
their bank and internet businesses strictly and don't think anything of it. How
about you?
