Unlimited: God is Not a Heavenly Bookkeeper

Nov 16, 2016 1389

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20).

I’m glad the father in Jesus’ story about the prodigal son wasn’t a bookkeeper, because he represents what God is like.

Years ago, I worked as a real estate agent. One day I wrote a contract for the sale of a house, and I added an extra zero to the price! It wasn’t intentional. It’s just that numbers are not my particular talent. Thankfully my mistake was picked up by the solicitor and no harm was done other than to my ego.

That’s why I love accountants and bookkeepers. I mean, where would I be without them!

But my question is this: is God is some kind of bookkeeper up in heaven, balancing good deeds against bad deeds?

The New Testament teaches us that there is only one question that matters. Have you accepted the love of the Father? The Father has shown us His love by giving us His Son, Jesus Christ.

Sometimes Christians like to do some bookkeeping on their own salvation, and even on others. But there’s no place for that kind of bookkeeping in Christianity.

The Bible tells us that,

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son does not have life – 1 John 5:12.

If you have the Son, nothing else matters. It really is that simple! – Eliezer Gonzalez

Reflection: Think of someone that you have been doing some bookkeeping on (i.e. keeping track of their faults and their good points). Pray for that person in a special way every day this week, asking also that God will help you see them as he sees them. After each prayer, add to a list of the good qualities that this person has. At the end of the week think about whether the way that you see that person has changed.

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