Perfect!

Perfect!

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 KJV

Where do we begin? Is it about origin, source, content or target? Whatever it is I want to pursue, I had better be sure I know where it is coming from, whether it is the genuine article I have found and where it is taking me to. I am made for eternity; I must not let temporal and earthly things distract me. And it is important to underline the word IN. If I am to fully enjoy all that is on offer, I must be located right. God is the Source of all that i want to become; He is the One who knows what I need to get there, and He knows how it will all end. The only thing I am asked to do is to be found IN Him. No matter how hard I work, or how far I run, or how fervent my devotion, all will amount to nothing if they don't flow out of a life that has found its basis and foundation in God. 

What is fear: anything that doesn't permit the full expression of God in and through me. Today's extract says fear has torment. Why is this kind of fear such a crippling emotion? Isn't it because it is the opposite of all that God is, and all without God have it? If you don't have God in you, you cannot fake a heart of love. Love drives away any guilt you may have, as long as you are living in love. Fear cripples and prevents people from seeing the bigger picture. It keeps people from being able to freely express God's love. I take stock again, as all of us should do from time to time: what is driving my present pursuits and priorities? Are they all from a heart of love or a heart of showoff, pretence, hypocrisy or fear? Remember, as long as it is not God's love, it will not end well. 

And so I will know how much God is against fear, the final events of judgment in Revelation says that.....'the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.' Revelation 21:8 KJV. Living in fear has such terrible implications that God's love must be our daily pursuit. This love keeps our hearts focused and the fruits of our lives truly life - changing. So if I fear this kind of fear, I cannot claim any benefits from God because He does not waste resources on fruitless ventures. If His love makes perfect, imagine what the lack of God's  love leads to. 

So, what is it that you hold? Where do you live? Who dictates your daily pursuits? How do you make sure you end up where God intends for you? When this present earthly life ends, remember, a judgment is coming and the terms will be based on the finished work of Christ. Only in Christ and through His Work, Life and Love will my life be all it was created to be. Lord, come again into my heart, and deal with any wrong kind of fear so that my walk with you will be perfect. His time of favour is here.