Existing!

It is possible to believe something so strongly that even though it may not exist, its existence is still believed and experienced in some way. That can be true for both one who believes in a god and one who does not. One can believe in such a way that they see only what they want to see. What we must be mindful of is the reality that what one believes or does not believe does not change the facts regarding what does or does not exist. Just as one cannot wish something into existence, neither can they wish it out of existence. Therefore, whatever evidence there is for the existence of something (or someone) must be honestly and rationally considered.

Yesterday we noted a statement by Paul to the church at Rome which pointed to the evidence of the existence of God through viewing what He has made. ( Romans 1:19-20) Centuries earlier the psalmist had stated “The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” ( Psalm 19:1 ESV) The Hebrew writer exhorted that if we are going to draw near to God we must believe that He exists! ( Hebrews 11:6) But what should our understanding of His existence mean with regard to our own existence?

After stating that an idol has not real existence ( 1 Corinthians 8:4), Paul stated…
“(5) For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth -- as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords” -- (6) yet for us there is ONE GOD, THE FATHER, from whom are all things and FOR WHOM WE EXIST, and ONE LORD, JESUS CHRIST, through whom are all things and THROUGH WHOM WE EXIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 8:5-6 ESV)

We exist first of all because God is the Creator of mankind. Were it not FOR HIM there would be no life. But as we exist we are to exist FOR HIM; for His purposes and His glory. And it is in our Lord, Jesus Christ that we are able to experience our greatest sense of existence since it is in Him we have been given the right to become children of God ( John 1:12) and find the hope of an eternal existence.

God exists. He brought us into existence. And He has provided the means to sustain that existence in His eternity. However, we must be mindful of existing FOR HIM who has granted our existence.

John encouraged regarding what WE ARE as we exist even now…
“(1) See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; AND SO WE ARE. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (2) Beloved, WE ARE GOD’S CHILDREN NOW, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that WHEN HE APPEARS WE WILL BE LIKE HIM, because we shall see him as he is. (3) And EVERYONE WHO THUS HOPES IN HIM PURIFIES HIMSELF AS HE IS PURE.” ( 1 John 3:1-3 ESV)

Let us continue to be mindful of existing FOR THE GOD Who has given us life and promises to provide it for eternity.

Have a great day BEING HIS CHILD!
Carl

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