Oct 4, 2015 4 min read

Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 11:24-29. Text: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor 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.” Romans 8:37-39.

If you wish to have a description of a positive attitude then, please, read our text. Analyze these powerful statements: “For I am sure . . .” and “nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love God . . .” Do you see how these words underline Apostle Paul’s determination and faith? How can we get close to the conviction of this great missionary? Here are a few steps:

REMOTE AND UNSEARCHABLE GOD. The most popular and widely used philosophy is “Yes God exists, but somewhere very far away, nobody knows exactly where or how.” The desire is there in the hearts to know Him but He is beyond reach and comprehension. Please read Acts of Apostles 17:23-27.

PROVEN AND EXPLAINED GOD. Let the clergy preach in such a way that all the doubts will disappear, all the questions will be answered, and all the problems will be solved. Where are the scientists, professors, philosophers, thinkers, and scholars? Can they unfold the mysteries and simplify the complicated?

EXPERIENCED GOD. What does it help if you know of a famous person but have no relationship with him/her? Your neighbor or fellow man means nothing to you unless a personal contact brings both of you together. This is also basically true concerning God. Just the pure theory that God exists will not mean much for you unless it has some consequences and implications. A need to be filled, a thirst to be quenched, a desire to be satisfied will prepare the possibility for man to meet his Creator. When emptiness is sensed which can be responded to by the divine only then we feel God is near to us and we are near to Him.

MUTUALLY LOVING GOD. Isn’t it wonderful that we worship God and He blesses us? Yes, we will gladly read His Word, keep His commandments, follow His Son and in return we will live in peace, be happy in our family, and prosper in our undertakings. The business world teaches us that we pay and we receive red carpet service and quality merchandise. If the student earns his/her grades, the worker his/her pay, the leader the peoples’ respect, and the business man the customers’ confidence then why cannot a “Christian” deserve God’s goodwill and grace? We want to make a deal: “Heavenly Father you bless and protect me and I in return will worship and serve Thee.” Are we in business? Please read Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 11:6.

PERSONAL GOD. The crucial point in your thinking is reached when you raise these questions: Does God exist for my sake or do I exist for His? Who is doing a favor to whom? Who needs whom? Who depends on whom? It is true that God does not “need” my service but it is also true that He needs even less my carelessness. God’s concern toward mankind was manifested in Jesus Christ. Please read John 3:16.

UNRELINQUISHED GOD. Only at this point can we understand and join Apostle Paul. The clue is: “. . . in spite of . . .” Please learn from the Scripture reading what Apostle Paul had to go through. Yet, in spite of all of his troubles, misfortunes, and persecutions Apostle Paul wrote: “. . . nor anything else . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God . . .” These words were written after he had suffered from all those mentioned miseries in our Scripture reading.

How would you formulate your relationship with God? In what way does a relatively easy and peaceful life influence you? How do you react to unfair treatment? Do you control your feelings and (mis)fortunes or do they control you? Is it only up to God what you think of Him? Read how Apostle Paul introduced his positive attitude: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37.