God Isn't Burger King

Watch the video first. I read an article today which made me think of the old Burger King commercials. You know, the ones where you can have it "your way". Issues I have had (and still struggle with) come from my own opposition to the absolutes in Scripture. I have claimed that I believe Jesus is the ONLY way to Heaven, and that the Bible is the true Word of God. However, have I shown that with my actions? Have I been trying to have "Burger King Christianity"?

I mean, I have violated a few of God's laws because of ignorance. Why ignorance? Because I haven't read my Bible cover to cover. How silly does that sound to you? It sounds completely asinine to me. "I believe in _______, but haven't completely read the manual for it". Just to illustrate my point, I believe I know more about general insurance law, than what is written in the Bible after the book of Acts. Sure, I can pull a couple verses to illustrate my point. However, when I know more about contracts of adhesion and indemnity than something and someone I have staked my eternal consquences on, something is definitely WRONG. We all know that old question, "If you were accused of being a Christ-follower, would there be enough evidence to convict you in a court of law?" Looking at my life, no. And that's a hard, bitter pill to have to swallow. But it's truth, and sometimes, truth doesn't taste good. But truth is.

When I read the article on Christian Post (by way of Slice of Laodicea), I knew I was included in that 71% who "say they are more likely to personally develop their own set of religious beliefs than accept a comprehensive set of beliefs taught by a church or denomination". Because I have done it! I have rationalized quite a few things. Why? Because of my earlier mentioned opposition to God. Since the Fall, our flesh and human nature has been at war. We continually war against God, wanting what we want. However, because we are all made in His image, we have a desire for the love He provides. Cognitive dissonance run wild.

So, because of this inner battle, it's no wonder we pick and choose what feels good. Instead of God being someone we respect, fear and stand in awe of, our culture has turned Him into this kindly looking grandfather figure. Loving, unassuming, never angry or judgmental. My fellow believers, how often have we heard a question that begins with this, "Why would a loving God..."? Exactly. What's worse is that we've allowed Jesus, our Savior, the reason we believe what we believe, to be turned into a fairy. One who loves all, and is inclusive, and never judging or saying a harsh word. "Jesus was all about love and acceptance, so I can..." you fill in the blank.

Our Bible says "God will not be mocked". Let me update that for you, and put it in 21st century terms. God is not a punk and not your buddy. You see, what people don't realize is that yes, God is love and is loving. He sent his son to die for you, me and everyone else. But, make no mistake, God is not a punk. When people feminize, turn God into a cosmic genie, and blatantly disrespect Him, they are forgetting about the Old Testament God. You may have heard of Him. Flooded the ENTIRE Earth because He was (as Genesis 6:6 says) "grieved that he had made man on the earth, and His heart was filled with pain". You may have also heard of the Old Testament God who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah after He couldn't find *10* righteous people in it. What were they doing in Sodom and Gomorrah that warranted complete and total destruction? The Bible is silent on that. However, the Bible DOES say what all the men in the city wanted to do to the visiting angels of God (Genesis chapter 19). I've given just two examples of God. I know His heart must be grieved with all that is taking place these days. Why no raining sulfur? I do not know. I do know that God is not a cosmic genie. I know that he is a loving God, but He is just. I know that were it not for His grace, I'd have been struck dead long ago.

Jesus is not a fairy. He's not some big brother who symbolizes all love, tolerance and no consequences. What people don't seem to realize is that Jesus of Nazareth was the most hardcore person to EVER walk the earth. Yes. Imagine every comic book character you can think of. Jesus would have kicked his/her butt. You're referring to a man who lived a perfect, sinless life. Most of us have sinned within 5 minutes of getting out of bed, and I don't even want to think of my teenage years. But Jesus lived and didn't sin. He was tempted over and over again. I would imagine the temptations for Him were far more intense than anything we've gone through. Have you seen "Bruce Almighty"? 'Nuff said. Now, Jesus, after living a perfect life, was condemned to die for a crime He didn't commit, and was sentenced to be crucified (one of the most painful methods of execution), where He experienced agony and pain unlike anything we could experience (as He was paying the cost for ALL sin). So, someone who experienced this will definitely not be some airy-fairy "do what feels good" kind of person.

My point is this. We have gotten away, and in some cases completely ignored how we're supposed to live. We have picked and chosen what we like and don't like about the path *WE'VE* chosen. Yes. We have made a choice to follow Christ, and with that choice comes responsibility to follow our handbook and code. We can't pick and choose doctrine like adding bacon or cheese to a burger. If we don't believe what our own Bible says, how can we expect anyone else to?