ME-OLOGY OR THEOLOGY?
For You, LORD, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.
Psalm 86:5
"God is good all the time... and all the time, God is good." That is a popular little phrase that is quoted often in Christian circles. I really like that phrase... but here is the burning question: Do you and I really believe it? Is God really good all the time?
BAD CIRCUMSTANCES
When Paul and Silas preached the gospel in Philippi, a riot broke out (see Acts 16). Paul and Silas were deemed troublemakers, beaten repeatedly with rods and thrown into prison. The jailer threw them in the innermost part of the prison and put their feet in the stocks.
Paul and Silas were bloodied, bruised, hurting and incarcerated. Why were they there... for doing wrong? No!! They were there for doing right and obeying God's call. Yet this is the bad circumstance that befell them as a result of their obedience. Hmmm... do we need to rethink that phrase, "God is good all the time?"
WHEN ME-OLOGY GETS IN THE WAY
One of the big problems you and I face each day is the problem of inconsistency. The Bible tells us great and wonderful things about God and His care and concern for us, yet when we review the circumstances of our own lives, we can easily start to question the truth of God's word:
"God, if you really are good, if you really care about me, then why did my loved one die?"
"God, if you really are good, if you really care about me, then why am I so lonely?"
"God if you really are good, if you really care about me, then why is my marriage so bad?"
"God if you really are good, if you really care about me, then why am I suffering so much... why is my life in the toilet?"
"God, if you really are good, if you really care about me, then why did this bad thing happen and that bad thing happen to me? What gives, God?"
Me-ology views the truth of God through our own personal circumstances. If you and I allow me-ology to determine our theology, God will not seem to be good all the time, nor will He seem to be a God who loves us with an everlasting love and has a wonderful plan for our lives.
KNOWING THE TRUTH
Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
What is the truth? Regardless of what may be going on in our lives, God is good all the time, and He has a good plan for you and me. His word is true and His promises are rock solid. He cares for us... so much that Jesus died a brutal and excruciating death on the cross... just for you and me!!!
BACK TO PHILIPPI
What did Paul and Silas do in their bad circumstances? Gripe... complain... quit? NO!!! They prayed and sang hymns of praise. They trusted the good heart of God EVEN in their bad circumstances. And God heard their prayers... and sent an earthquake that opened the prison doors... and the jailer and his entire family ended up receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. WOW!! What a miracle by the hand of a good God.
My friend, no matter what you may be facing today... no matter what has happened in your past, do not allow your me-ology to determine and derail your theology. God works in ways you and I cannot understand. He allows hardships to befall us... not because He does not care, but because He has a higher plan and purpose. You can trust God in any and every situation. He really is good all the time... and He really does care for you!
Love,
Pastor Jeff Schreve,
From His Heart Ministries
Dr. Jeff Schreve believes that no matter how badly you may have messed up in life, God still loves you and has a wonderful plan just for you. From His Heart provides real truth, love and hope on over 700 radio stations each day, in 182 countries each week on TV, and is always available online. Pastor Jeff takes no income from this ministry. All donations go to furthering the broadcast outreach. As a listener/viewer supported ministry, we thank you for joining with us to help speak the truth in love to a lost and hurting world. Go to www.fromhisheart.org for more information.
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