Is God Relevant?

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” ¹

The initial recorded guidance to mankind from the Creator was guidelines for mankind’s welfare but as with every person who has lived since that time, we thought we could do it a ‘better’ way. Whether we want independence, think we know better, want to be free spirits, think we are being courteous to not bother God by being dependent upon His understanding of our welfare, or we simply want what we want as we want, ignoring God’s guidance is a hallmark of mankind. The observation that “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” ² is a universal statement that none of us are exceptional, that we all have determined at some point to ‘do it my way’ and without the counsel of God. By choice, by will, without consideration of responsibility or consequence.

Not accepting God’s counsel, guidance, direction, instruction—whatever you are comfortable calling His input—is disregard for who He is and His superiority in understanding what is both best for His creation and agreeable in relationship to Him. He is not without rights in deciding the conditions of His creation being in relationship with Him. He is God after all. Even with mankind’s continuing disregard of God’s relational boundaries, He is not without care for what could be:

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” ³

God will not be less than who He is. To accept relationship with anyone in disregard for who He is would make Him less than holy (as distinctive as His nature and character). Yet the Godhead did foresee mankind’s disregard and did provide for reconciliation albeit on His terms that would not violate His eternal holiness. Even though mankind is guilty, with our ways ending in the consequence journeying the way of death, God made another provision from the very beginning. Speaking of the final cataclysm at the end of the ages when Evil seeks to overthrow God’s rule one last time, God makes it known that His priority over all Evil pre-dates our existence IF we will come into agreement with Him on His remedy:

“And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. ⁴

Mankind has had an abiding bent to walk as far away from God as possible and yet with the expectation of being able to enjoy the benefits of relationship with Him. Really? Who would really have an expectation of God being less than Himself so they could be more than created? Who knows enough to make eternal decisions, accept the eternal responsibilities and endure the eternal consequences? As much as mankind says they all want an eternity of bliss, would God be true to Himself and in agreement with our life of self-orientation to allow us to endure eternity in His presence if we did not want to be in agreement with Him. Jesus gave us a preview of what eternity with God is like when He taught His disciples about prayer and how God’s will is beyond our present perception:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” ⁵

Would anyone who lives a lifetime doing it their way expect a just and loving God to force them to endure an eternity where the only possibility is life done God’s way—forever in agreement with Him? Only a sadistic god would force such an existence upon anyone. While the alternative is Hell, at least they will be free of God and His mercy and grace to have eternal existence without Him.

Does God matter? Does what He says is right, best, good, favorable, eternal matter. Seems like agreement might matter.