Do You Really Love God For Nothing?

"Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” So, Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” - Job 1:8-11

If you were asked the question "Why do you say that you love God?", what would your answer be? Put another way, what is your love and trust of God dependent upon? Is it the work of the Cross and the eternal life that it assures us that  ....

"if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

or it is the idea that God will meet all of your physical, emotional and financial needs on this side of heaven? That is what Satan suggested to God. In the absence of want and sorrow, Job had time for God. Of course, Job would love God then. But should Job experience want and sorrow, well that will be another story.  What was Job's response?

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” - Job 1:21

Our salvation and expressed love for God is not a guarantee that our life on earth will be easy. Living on this planet is a faith challenge. Every day we are challenged to trust in the flesh - in what the world has to offer - pursue the good life. The rich young ruler in Matthew 19 was confident that he was doing right until Jesus told to sell everything, give it to the poor. The young man couldn't or wouldn't do it. His trust was in the comforts that life offered and not God.

Loving God for nothing means that you love God in spite of the circumstances of your life not because of them. When trouble comes your way, and it will, your attitude toward God does not change.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

If we have trouble trusting God - loving God - it is because our hearts are not submitted, devoted to God. Singing a song in church - listening to a sermon on Sunday is not enough. 

"For You [Father God] do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise." - Psalm 51:16-17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone