There’s a shift in thought that accompanies an attitude. If you like to eat chocolate (I do), and there’s some available, I “get to” eat chocolate. When my doctor tells me to eat broccoli (I hate it), I “have to” eat broccoli.
But what happens if I know broccoli will save my life? I’ll feel better, be healthier, have more stamina, and all the other benefits that come with eating broccoli. That’s good, right? So when I see some broccoli in the store or on the salad bar, I “get to” eat broccoli.
The same thing could be said about Jesus. If He isn’t in your life, your entire attitude about “bible beaters” is, “They’re trying to tell me I ‘have to’ know Jesus.” It’s not like that.
You “get to” know Jesus. It’s a privilege, really. Look at all the other faiths in the world, and realize you “have to” do things. Rules and regulations stipulate what you “have to” do if you want to approach that god. But with Jesus, you “get to” know Him.
One way Christianity is different is that God reached out to us. He didn’t tell you to clean up your act the way other faiths insist, but said He would help us be better simply by knowing Him.
It’s not an easy process. Simple, but not easy.
Everyone knows they’re not perfect. I’m sure some people are so full of themselves they think they’re pretty close to perfect, but if pressed on the issue they’ll admit, even if it’s only to themselves, that they’re not flawless.
God doesn’t expect us to be flawless. He knows we’re not, and He’s willing to help us become better than we are. His chosen people have flaws. That’s what the whole Old Testament is about. Thankfully there’s good news. In an earlier post I mentioned “gospel” means “good news.” The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are called “gospels.” They teach about the good news of Christ.
When Jesus said He came to fulfill the Law (Ten Commandments), He meant He would pay the penalty for us not being perfect. But once the gospels were written and published, we could know God’s purpose for us.
It’s all good news. We’re flawed, but God no longer holds that against us.
We “get to” know Him without first being perfect.
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