“On the Days of the Week”

 

                                                        

“On the Days of the Week”

By Gary L. Clendenon (c) 2022

As I get older, I am losing the energy to do as much as I did when I was younger. Thus, I am coming to enjoy simplicity and efficiency more. In this Spirit, I have decided that the names of the days of the week would be better re-named. Here are my proposed names:

SUNDAY = SUNDAY. This day stays the same. Sunday is the only fully-honest day that tells us immediately what it’s all about: The Sun. I respect that. This is the day to honor (some would even say “worship”) the Sun. Sun worship has a very long and strong tradition and it’s important that we acknowledge that. It is truly for that reason, though most don’t know it, that most Christians worship on Sun-day, so it would be wrong, I think to change the name of this day.

MONDAY = FUNDAY. Monday has a well-earned reputation for being the “Worst Day of the Week”. Thus, I can’t think of a better reason to re-brand Monday as “Funday”. It rhymes, and it brings a sense of anticipation and possibility to the day. (If people find this objectionable, we could always just fall back to the original meaning of Monday and call it “Moonday”, which is where the name originated from. At least then people can blame the moon for their funkiness. People who enjoy mooning each other would also find this a worthy honor.)

TUESDAY = TWOSDAY. Made popular by the term “Taco Twosday”, Twosday makes a whole lot more sense than “Tues”. What is a Tues? We have absolutely no connection to Tues, but at least we recognize and know how to spell “Twos”, and everyone knows that “Two is better than one”.

WEDNESDAY = WINSDAY. Seriously, how long did it take you to learn how to spell Wed-nes-day? And what’s the point of such an odd spelling? Let’s go with something simple like “Winsday” or “Windsday”. Either one would work just fine. They’re pronounced the same and, at least, have some meaning. Who doesn’t like to win? That would be my preference, as “Wind” is more neutral and can be either good or very bad.

THURSDAY = THIRSTDAY. I know it’s tempting with the original name coming from the god “Thor” to go that route, but I would argue, besides not supposed to be having any god before the Big G, there is a more important issue here to focus on. According to my sources, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, and “Dehydration” is a frequent cause of hospital admissions! This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed, and what better way than to name a day “Thirstday” to remind us of the importance of proper hydration!

FRIDAY = FRYDAY. It’s pronounced the same, but the meaning is so much better! (“Would you like fries with that?”) Seriously, who doesn’t love fried food? According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, “Fried food is one of Americans’ oldest obsessions” and that obsession has grown in the last two years. Why not honor “one of Americans’ oldest obsessions” with its own whole day? That seems totally appropriate, and so much better than honoring some “Frida” that no one even knows!!

SATURDAY = SABBADAY. The name “Saturday” is a shortening of the phrase “Saturn’s Day” (Saturn was a popular Roman god). This is a case of religious appropriation. In Hebrew, the Bible clearly states that the original name of the seventh day was/is “Shabbat” (which over time turned into the English word “Sabbath”). Ideally, then, we would, not wanting to be guilty of religious appropriation, call the seventh day “Sabbath”, at the least. My term “Sabbaday” is an obvious attempt to compromise in a way that maintains the original meaning.

On the Challenge of the Old Testament GOD! Part 2

On the Challenge of the Old Testament GOD! Part 2

Click HERE for "Part 1"

By Gary L. Clendenon, (c) 2011 

There are two Biblical principles that I believe in that are over all other principles and rules for GOD.

1. "GOD IS LOVE."

2. Because GOD is LOVE, "GOD MEETS PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE AT" in a way that they can understand.

So, 4,000 years ago, because of the fact that the people in the Old Testament had strayed so far from GOD and become pagan and barbaric, GOD had to interact with them in a way that they would understand, so when GOD came to those tribal, barbaric people who only respected FEAR, POWER, and FORCE, GOD came to them with FEAR, POWER and FORCE.

My friend had a poster when I was growing up that said "Yea, though I pass through the valley of darkness, I will fear no evil, for I am the meanest son-of-a-bitch in the valley." GOD came to those pagan barbarians like that. GOD said, there may be other gods, but I AM the Biggest, Baddest, Best-est, Strongest, Smartest, Sexiest, God of all gods! So, you will want to worship and follow me! I will protect you from your enemies. I will supply all your your physical needs. I will make your people the best in the land. In exchange for ALL THAT, here are MY rules that you must follow if you want to be a part of this AWESOME deal.

The Israelites signed on with GOD, because they got the best offer from GOD--"the meanest son of a bitch in the valley"--and He came through on His promises. They feared this god the most and that meant that their enemies would fear this god too, which would keep them safe! That they could respect! This was GOD meeting the people where they were at!

When we read the Old Testament, WE MUST NOT read it through the eyes of the 21st Century A.D. In order to understand it properly, WE MUST read it through the eyes of the 21st Century B.C.--4,000 years ago! WE MUST understand the times, the culture, the norms and traditions of the time we are reading about because GOD was operating within those cultural boundaries to meet people in a way that they could understand. As long as we read it with eyes of today, we will never understand what GOD was doing.

CLICK HERE for "Part 3": https://notesfromthegc.blogspot.com/2023/09/on-challenge-of-old-testament-god-part.html

The Sad Story of Judas: Part 1

 “The Sad Story of Judas”

(Part 1 of 8)

From The Desire of Ages by Ellen G. White

Adapted by Gary L. Clendenon, May/June, 2020

(All Bible quotations from the NIV, unless otherwise stated)

“The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul; His experience with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse human nature.”

(Christ Object Lessons, p. 74)

CHAPTER 1: “HOW IT STARTED!”

While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. It was Judas Iscariot, a man who professed to be a follower of Christ. He now came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” (Matthew 8:19-20). Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah; and by joining the apostles, he hoped to secure a high position in the new kingdom. This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement of His poverty.

The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly.

The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to secure the co-operation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds, have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The co-operation of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies.

Yet when Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which was drawing souls to the Savior. He who came not to “break a bruised reed nor snuff out a smoldering wick” (Isaiah 42:3) would not repulse this soul while even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Savior read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of wickedness to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judas would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God.

God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.

All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character. Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven.

How tenderly the Savior dealt with him who was to be His betrayer! In His teaching, Jesus dwelt upon principles of benevolence that struck at the very root of covetousness. He presented before Judas the heinous character of greed, and many a time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed, and his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrighteousness. He was self-sufficient, and instead of resisting temptation, he continued to follow his fraudulent practices. Christ was before him, a living example of what he must become if he reaped the benefit of the divine mediation and ministry; but lesson after lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas.

Jesus dealt him no sharp rebuke for his covetousness, but with divine patience bore with this erring man, even while giving him evidence that He read his heart as an open book. He presented before him the highest incentives for right doing; and in rejecting the light of Heaven, Judas would be without excuse.

Instead of walking in the light, Judas chose to retain his defects. Evil desires, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished, until Satan had full control of the man. Judas became a representative of the enemy of Christ.

When he came into association with Jesus, he [Judas] had some precious traits of character that might have been made a blessing to the church. If he had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, he might have been among the chief of the apostles; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed out, and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions, and thus unfitted himself for the work that God would have given him to do.

Source: Desire of Ages, pages 293-95.

CLICK HERE FOR CHAPTER 2!

 My Creed!

By Gary L. Clendenon (c) Sept. 2010 (Updated: 2022)

After 60 years of studying all the religions and philosophies in the world, this is my personal conclusion:

Believe whatever you will, but there is only one set of beliefs in the world that I know of that contain the story of a creator god who loved the people he created so much that He--the Infinite, Perfect, Uncontainable One--stooped so low as to become one of them--enduring every hardship of humanity from birth to adulthood--just to show them how to live and love as He intended.

And then, in the most astonishing plot development that any "God" story or set of beliefs in this world contain, He willing rescues them from certain death--even those who hated Him--by convincing the Judge to let Him take their death sentence and die in their place!  Not a quick-acting death by injection or electric chair, but the most gruesome, tortuous death possible: crucifixion on a cross!

Astonishing?  Incomprehensible?  Ridiculous?  Yes!  Yes!  And Yes!  But what a story!  A God who leaves no stone unturned to show His love for me in "The Greatest Love Story of All Time!"  I, the recipient of its telling!  All that for me!  I have been pulled in, wooed, enchanted--seduced by the enormity of such Love.  And such a Lover!!

True or not, myth or fact, it's THE story I find worth believing; for in all my life, I have heard no better, no greater, no more outrageous story of love than this!  No other story so captures my heart, my imagination, my mind!  My soul resonates and responds with inexpressible feelings of excitement, joy and love.

I fall . . .

Madly in love with THIS god, the GODhead Trinity, who go by the names of:

YEHOVAH the Father, Jesus the Messiah, and the All-powerful Spirit of GOD.

 

"Gary-isms!"

 

"Gary-isms"

By Gary L. Clendenon

(Inspired by My Men's Group)

#1-10 (c) 2012 / #11-22 (c) 2017 / #23-30 (c) 2019 / #31-40 (c) 2020-21

1. Life is messy. Attempts to ignore, change, or not accept this truth will lead to insanity (1).

2. Life, because it is messy, is best lived with an extravagent, abundance of grace towards ourselves and everyone we encounter.

3. Perfection has already been achieved. Knowing this, we are free to be exactly who we are as we grow in wisdom and maturity.

4. Black-and-white living is safe and easy, but limiting. Adding “shades of gray” helps, but why not embrace and experience the full-rainbow-spectrum of beautiful, bold, bright, bodacious, bountiful colors life has to offer?

5. There is a god, and I am not it! I get to choose my “Higher Power”, but thousands of years of History have shown that choosing oneself as God doesn't end well.

6. Life is hard. God is good. Keeping these two truths separate can save one from a lot of confusion. (9)

7. It's easy to have expert answers when examining other people's problems. Be careful. Good intentions aside, often what we are really saying is “Here's some advice that I'm not using. Why don't you try it out?”

8. Love is the answer. I triple-dog-dare you to show me any eternal good that hate, arrogance, power, control, force, or domination have brought about. Without love, there is no good. Without love, what purpose has life?

9. You will love your neighbor as yourself. For your neighbor's sake, please learn to love yourself well!

10. When you are by yourself and feel lonely, it may very well be because you don't like the person you are with! [Pause for that to sink in] Yes, that's yourself, and the good news is that you can change that!

11. Cannabinoids are a nearly perfect solution for many, if not most, health problems! (The fibers of the plants are a nearly perfect solution for many industrial problems!) (2)

12. “Hell is a state of mind!” (Original quote: C.S. Lewis, The Great Divorce)

13. “Hell is a Satanic plot!” (3)

14. GOD will use any means necessary to get a message through to us—even if it's a dumb ass—so . . . pay attention! Look for GOD everywhere! (4)

15. There is only one set of beliefs in the world that contain the story of a Creator who loved the people He created so much that He stooped so low as to become one of them just to show them how to live and love as He intended. True or not, it’s a story I find worth believing; for in all my life, I have heard no better, no greater, no more outrageous story of love than this! (5)

16. I played basketball for 30 years before I realized this powerful, yet simple fact: The reason I kept hitting the front of the rim is because that is where I was looking! . . . I know, life-changing, right!?

17. Five things you would be wise to fully take in if you truly wish to understand what is going on in the political world:

1. 1984, by George Orwell

2. Animal Farm, by George Orwell

3. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

4. Wag the Dog, 1997 movie

5. Enemy of the State, 1998 movie

18. Whether you push it 10 times or just once, the crosswalk light will still change at the same time—and no sooner!

19. Regarding the water in the glass, as a recovering “Misery Addict”, I have adopted the following affirmation to counter my default negative tendency: “I choose to view the world as a wonderful place of joy, beauty, and love.” (6)

20. The best way that I've found to maintain a state of True Peace and Serenity is to always forgive myself and others. The Hawaiians call this state “pono” and the process “Ho'oponopono”. (7)

21. A person who believes in no conspiracy theories does not understand the Nature nor Reality of the World.

22. GOD's Name is: “I AM”. It is the most powerful name in the Universe. (8) Therefore, we would be wise to think very carefully about what words we choose to use after the words “I am ____.” For with these words, in GOD’s Name, we create our Future!

23. If God is “Our Father”, then He must also be “Our Mother”. For both Adam and Eve were created in “the image of God”. Word!

24. The GOD of the Universe, Creator of Everything, has a poster on His wall that says, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours. If not, it wasn’t meant to be.” Ironically, this is also the answer to the question: “Why does a God of Love allow evil and suffering in the World?”

25. Think your life boring, mundane, or uninteresting? Remember that all interesting and exciting stories are just the highlights of other people’s otherwise boring, mundane, and uninteresting lives. The highlights of your life told well will be miraculous story after story of GOD’s loving intervention! (10)

26. Since Love is the answer (see Gary-ism #8), then why isn’t teaching “Love” the primary focus in our schools and in our churches. If Love is so important, then shouldn’t there be classes and sermons and weekend seminars and weekly groups in our schools and churches all teaching us how to Love! (11)

27. I believe that since Love is the answer (see Gary-ism #8), then then the greatest songs in the world are “Love songs”. Have you ever listened to a love song as if GOD were singing of His/Her Love for you and believed it? Wow! And then try singing one back! (Doing this changed my life!)

28. “No, I’m not picking my nose! I’m cleaning my air filter.” ;)

29. I have learned over the years that being “right” and making others “wrong” does not lead to loving relationships. (12)

30. It’s been said that we live in the “Information Age”. I am convinced that we have passed through that into the “Dis-information Age”! (c) 2020

31. Saying that "Truth" is relative is no more truer than saying Natural or Scientific Laws are relative. What is relative is one's understanding of "Truth". (c) 2011 (Deep Thoughts #86)

32. All you have to do to be lost . . . is nothing! (c) 1980’s

33. If you must compare yourself to someone else, always choose someone less fortunate than you. (c) 2020 (13)

34. As I've aged, I've gone from agile to fragile! On the eve of my 60^th birthday, August 17, 2020.

35. From my English Teaching days: "Writing works best when you don't write a sentence longer than you can properly punctuate!"

36. Regarding "Racism": We completely get off on the wrong foot when the color we use to label those with darker skin is the same color used in symbolism, culture, and religion to refer to evil! I propose we all start off on a much better footing by calling those with darker skins "chocolates". Seriously, who doesn't love chocolate? (14)

37. "As the stop light warns us of an upcoming change in our journey, so the gradual change of the leaves on trees—from green, to yellow, and then to red—is nature's signal to humanity that summer has come to an end." ~ September 26, 2009 (Deep Thought #637)

38. GOD’s plan for our lives is the original GPS navigation system. GOD’s Planning System (G.P.S.) has an ideal “Plan A” for our lives and He recommends that route to us. When we get off course, there is no limit to GOD’s ability to continue to re-route our journeys. He always says, “No worries. I’ll get you there, and in the best possible way!”

39. I define “Evangelism” as the message of the Angel (evANGELism): “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) I say, “If there ain’t no joy in what we share, then it’s not true evangelism!”

Footnotes:

1. Just to be clear, by “Insanity”, I mean “Doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results.”

2. I don't endorse smoking of Cannabis.

3. For an excellent biblical description of Hell, see Rob Bell's book: Love Wins. Or, here’s the Best Short Sermon video I’ve seen: https://youtu.be/1jQynly53yY

4. See: Numbers 22:28, Luke 19:40.

5. This is the “Short Version” of “My Creed”

6. Affirmation from Quantum Techniques (https://www.quantumtechniques.com/what-quantum-techniques)

7. Ho'oponopono is best done daily. For more on this process, (http://www.huna.com/process-of-hooponopono/)

8. God's Hebrew Name has been considered so holy and sacred that many won't speak it.

9. First 3 words of M. Scott Peck’s excellent book The Road Less Traveled are “Life is difficult”. Peck calls this “one of the greatest truths”! (“Life is hard. God is good.” was also inspired by Pam Thum’s beautiful song!)

10. Inspired by “Deep Thoughts #42” (See Facebook https://www.facebook.com/notes/gary-l-clendenon/deep-thoughts-42-remember-that-42-is-the-answer-to-the-question-what-is-the-mean/437212151214/ )

11. I do know of an awesome weekend seminar that teaches “Love”. If you are interested, contact me or visit http://foundations1.com/

12. I am most grateful to the Foundations Seminars for their very direct teaching of this principle. (See #11)

13. After I came up with this, I found this: “Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow humans. It then appears that we are among the privileged.” ~ Helen Keller

14. The flip side of this coin is we also need to re-frame the name we use to label lighter skinned folk with a color not naturally associated with purity, goodness, and holiness! I propose that we call those with lighter skin “Vanillas”.

15. This high standard of “Love your enemies” was set by Jesus himself in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:43-48).

The Guru on Top of the Mountain

 

The Guru on Top of the Mountain

By Gary L. Clendenon

A man desperately sought the meaning of life. He heard that there was an all-wise guru at the top of a mountain who possessed the wisdom he sought. It was a long and difficult journey to the top of the mountain, but the man deeply craved the truth regarding the meaning of life and he persevered until he finally made it to the top.

After resting from his arduous journey, the man received an audience with the all-wise guru. The man said, “I have come a long way and climbed this tall mountain to find the answer to this one all-consuming question: ‘What is the meaning of life?’”

The guru answered, “You have journeyed far and struggled greatly to reach this high place, so I know that you are sincere in your desire for the Truth. I will give the answer to you without delay and complete in one sentence: ‘TO LOVE is the meaning of life’.”

The man pondered the teacher’s short answer, but surprisingly found it unsatisfactory! He then said to the guru, “Thank you, Wise Teacher, for that simple, succinct answer, but what does it mean ‘to love’?”

The guru replied, “You are wise to seek clarification on what it means ‘to love’. We are to love our Creator, GOD, first, and then to love the people around us, second. That is what it means ‘to love’. First we receive perfect, unconditional Love from our Creator GOD, then filled to overflowing with that Love, we gladly share it with all whom we meet.

“Thank you, dear Guru, for that helpful clarification,” the man said, “If you don’t mind, since I will only be here this one time, just one more question, please: ‘What would that look like in real life action?’”

“Well,” the teacher said, “Because GOD is the source of Love, it would naturally be unwise to seek Love from any other person, place, or thing. GOD is too large to be contained by any image, box or structure, so even though we spend our lives learning to know more about GOD, we must always let GOD be ineffable GOD. Because the name of GOD—YeHoVaH—is Holy, we will naturally use and speak that name with reverence and love. And, we would never want to miss honoring GOD’s invitation to celebrate the Earth and all Creation’s weekly birthday on the seventh day of the week. That’s what ‘loving GOD’ looks like.”

“The most basic understanding,” the guru continued, “the bare minimum of what loving others looks like is this: “We love and honor our parents as best we can. It is not loving, nor our place, to take another human’s life. The gift of sexuality was given to us to enjoy as married partners. “True Love” respects that gift. Because GOD’s Kingdom of Love is based on giving, not taking, we rely on GOD as Source for what we need and don’t take things from others. We always tell the truth—in the kindest way possible. Instead of wanting what others have, we take all our desires to the GOD who decides what is best for us—in all things. That’s what ‘loving others’ looks like.”

“Now Dear Sir, let me ask YOU a question: ‘Why did you make all that effort to come all the way up here, seeking for “the meaning of life” when all of these things and even more are written in your Holy Books?’ Now that I have shared with you the “meaning of life”, seek out and apply this meaning from your Holy Books often, as it is there—in many places—just waiting to be discovered by you.”

Grace Note #96 "From Servants to Friends"

Grace Note #96 “From Servants to Friends”

Adapted excerpt from Ty Gibson’s book An Endless Falling in Love, pages 121-126.

I am absolutely certain that people who are in love should not relate to each other as masters and slaves. To do so would suggest that the relationship is not founded in love.

“And it shall be in that day,”

Says the Lord,

“That you will call Me ‘My Husband,’

And no longer call me ‘My Master’” (Hosea 2:16).

Here is presented a sharp contrast between two very distinct pictures of God, and two very distinct ways of relating to Him. One is true and the other is a false conception.

Satan led the Eden couple into sin by misrepresenting God’s character. Such was the distorted picture painted on the inner canvas of the human heart by the fallen angel, a portrait that made God out to be an arbitrary, restrictive, self-centered slave master.

Once the false image was embraced, the situation became even more complicated. The severe sense of guilt that rightfully attended Adam and Eve’s transgression served to reinforce the lie now residing in their darkened perception—that their guilt was being arbitrarily imposed on them by God—and they now believed Him to be a self-serving master ruling over them as slaves.

Then came the long and sordid history of human beings attempting to appease the anger and earn the favor of the God they believed to be an arbitrary dominator. Believing God to be a master ruling over humanity as slaves, men have developed various systems of worship that cannot help but reflect that misconception.

With this belief system, it is thought, or at least felt, that our happiness is to be found in disobedience to God’s rules, for those rules restrict our pleasure and prevent our elevation. So, obedience means bondage. God doesn’t want us doing whatever He has forbidden, not because those actions will cause us harm, but merely in order to control us.

In sharp contrast, from a Biblical perspective God’s law is a matter of altruistic principle rather than arbitrary requirement. Altruism is the “unselfish concern for the welfare of others”. In harmony with His true character, God’s law is based on selfless, other-centered love (Matthew 22:36-40, Romans 13:10). He designed all of creation for life and happiness and has, therefore, made no law that is not truly meant for our well-being and pleasure. To violate these benevolent principles brings negative consequences upon us that derive directly from sin itself.

The difference between these two pictures is dominance versus love.

Jesus called for the same kind of radical change in our perception of God: “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends….” (John 15:15) For Christ to say such a thing clearly indicates that His followers were, in fact, viewing their relationship with God as a master-servant arrangement.

We must ask the logical question: “What could possibly be wrong in relating to the Monarch of the universe as servants in subjection to a master?” Yes, the fact that we are sinners drives us to that humble position. But the astounding truth is that God refuses to accept that kind of arrangement.

Like the prodigal son, we say, “I am no longer worthy ... make me like one of your hired servants” (Luke 15:19). But like the “prodigal father,” apparently as “wasteful” with His love as the prodigal son was with his money, God responds by ignoring our plea for a servant’s position and says, “This my child was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24).

In a remarkable display of mercy, God allows us to approach Him as a Master, our hearts filled with misconceptions about His character, while He endeavors to allure us into a love relationship with Himself.

He allows us to relate to him as a Master, all the while desiring in His heart that we would grow up in our understanding to see Him as bridegroom and a friend.

God longs to hear from our lips, “Yes, He is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend (Song of Songs 5:16). Here is the high and beautiful end to which our spiritual experience is tending.

We begin our journey as children. We hear God saying to us, “No! No! No!” “Don’t touch that!” “Get that out of your mouth!” “Thou shalt not!” “Sit right there and don’t move!” “Why?” we ask. But we are incapable at this point of understanding the answer. So we hear Him say, “Because I said so!”

In the child stage of our spiritual journey, God looks like a master and His law feels like restrictive rules that must be kept in order to avoid punishment and to earn rewards.

But, notice what Paul says of his and our spiritual growth, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I am known” (I Corinthians 13:11-12).

God is eager for us to “grow up in all things” (Ephesians 4:15, 13). There comes a time in every spiritual journey when one must put away childish thoughts and understandings about God. We either continue to serve God as slaves or we mature to love Him as His faithful bride. Ezekiel 16:8 calls this juncture “the time … for you to fall in love” (TEV). This is when we move from being governed by the external rule of authority to the internal rule of love.

If we continue attempting to serve God with a slave-master mentality, moved merely by fear of being lost and desire for the rewards of Heaven, we will find the love-relationship language of the Bible to be foreign, mysterious, perhaps even offensive.

The most radical thing you will ever do is allow your heart to see God as He really is. Hosea’s prophecy clearly calls for a revolutionary paradigm shift in our perception of God and our manner of relating to Him. The Creator looks forward to “that day” when His people, you and me included, will no longer call Him “Master,” but rather “Husband.”