the opposite of love

We’ve probably all been there, in a group conversation, maybe not fully engaged and then BAM! You hear something that sticks to you like fresh gum to your new sneakers.

Today’s topic happened to be God’s love, the anti-Christ, and a touch of Revelation. (don’t ask, just assume I spend a lot of time around people who talk about ‘churchy’ kind of stuff.) The thing that I heard that rocked my world in that moment was something like this:

‘If God is love and the Anti-Christ is the opposite of God, than that is the opposite of love, so every time we are acting out of fear and hate, we are worshiping the anti-Christ.’ 

Another way to say it would be that in every moment we have the choice to choose to trust God or not. And yes, somewhere about here we could dissect what we mean by all those theologically loaded words, but I’m not gonna go there, because I mean a one presence one power everywhere present God, and that’s all I have to say about it.

But back to the real topic. I get to choose to be fearful or not about whatever is going on. If I am experiencing physical pain, I can play thru all the scenarios that are the worst case, or I can take the time to rest and rejuvenate, taking time to bless and appreciate my body. Maybe I seek medical or spiritual support in easing my pain. All or some of these things may be necessary for me to feel better, but nowhere in the equation is fear, worry or hate required.

Many times I have felt myself lean towards being fearful around money, or more specifically, the lack of having enough of it. When I heard those words, that fear was worshiping the anti-Christ it really struck me. If I have fear of not having sufficient funds, how can I be walking a path of faith? Not that we shouldn’t be prudent and mindful of our budget, but we should also be mindful of the place from which we make our choices. Is it one of fear or one of being a good steward and giving thanks?

Now don’t get all over-metaphyzzie on me, I’m not saying we don’t all have times when we’re wavering, according to the bible writers, even Jesus had his ‘moments.’ I am grateful for the conversation I heard today, because I know, next time I have a ‘moment’ I will be reminded, where am I putting my faith? Love or fear?

Lotsa Love,

Ra