One of the biggest rebuttals I’ve heard when I tell people that I believe that everyone is safe with God in Jesus Christ after their physical bodies give out in this world is: then that means I am telling people they can do whatever they want and it doesn’t matter. Well, let’s talk about that.

First, yes, I am saying that I think being completely safe in Christ means that people CAN do whatever they want. BUT it does NOT mean I am telling people they SHOULD do whatever they want with total disregard for anything other than their own desires.

Second, and VERY importantly, I am absolutely NOT saying that you can do anything you want and it does not matter. Actually, since I have changed my mind about things a little over a year ago, I have experienced the greatest unveiling of how much my choices actually matter very much.

Freedom comes with almost unbearable responsibility – at least it feels that way sometimes for someone who has inadvertently been blaming a lot of their life on destiny or God. As the depth of the implications of the weight of true freedom sinks into my being, I am so burdened by the new realizations of how decades of less than ideal decisions have impacted my own life and the people I could have loved a lot better. The hope of God’s never-ending love and patience for all of us is the only way I can bear even thinking about the things I wish I had done differently. Much less, the overwhelming amount of things I need to change and repair in my life going forward.

And that my friends, is hell. Hell is very real. Real enough. And yes, we get to choose life or death. In this life for sure. Is that not enough hell for you? Maybe you’re young or fortunate enough to not yet be reaping a harvest of poor seeds you have sown. Some take awhile to mature.

Judgement begins in the house of the Lord. You can take that as far as you want. But in practical terms, I think you’ll have enough to keep you busy for quite awhile if you start with His home being in our hearts. Those new temples, if you will. I finally am starting to see the planks in my own eyes – and they are not pretty.

It is really impossible to face all of that without absolute security in regards to my position in God’s heart. Only the true love of Jesus can do this.

I spent how many decades focused solely on myself because I couldn’t put to rest the future of my soul? Or the souls of those I love? Perfect love drives out fear. And helps you relax enough that you can receive love and then love God, yourself, and others. Probably in that order. And organically and sincerely versus posturing – however well-intentioned.

The effects of all this change leaves me sometimes dealing with a lot of anxiety. More than in many times past. If I rely on my own strength and forget that God finishes the works He starts and leaves none alone on their own.

This feels like getting new feet under you. It’s real relationship of unlimited depths. It’s ICU for your entire life. Whether you feel ready for it or not.

Even then the choice is up to you. Life or death? Will you participate? Will you not hope in what you can see, but in the unfailing character of your Creator?

No condemnation. But I wager the unfathomable love of Christ will not cease compelling you forward for ever-increasing healing. For your benefit; not God’s ego.

This is real life. I’d guess most of us could stop right now and do much much more with what we already know. To whom much is given…

Real life. Your heart and eyes may start to be opened to those around you. It can be quite a shock with ever-increasing awareness and insight. But I have a feeling that things will be better than ever before after walking through this part of the journey. In Christ, with Christ alone.

Let God’s real love lift us up.