Our loving God

The question came up in Bible study the other day why a loving God would allow people to go to hell. We talked about how He loves us so much He gives us freedom of choice. I like to think of it as I would give my children a choice--to make the wrong choice--because I love them and I want the best for them, and part of that "best" is allowing them to grow and become their own person. The other way I've thought of this concept is expressed (briefly) in a poem I wrote

God,
he said
You are a gentleman –
in black tux,
satin lapels, red carnation boutonniere,
not one
to rape my soul.

I can turn to You
surely Your hand will not
smother me,
consume
the person I am.

Ritual in worship

A little tidbit came up in our discussion on 1 Cor. 14 last week -- in the midst of a discussion on gifts, and serving others in love, we also talked about focusing on God with the goal/result of meaningful worship. At the time I was also working at home putting together a study on Malachi, and the same concept came up in both places: God desires our heart and soul to be in our worship. We talked about those times when we just go through the motions, or say and do the "right" things without really focusing or being there. Yet there are also times, I believe, when it is ok for Christians to just "go through the motions" -- in times of spiritual dryness (wandering around in the desert) the Psalmist reminds us, I will tell my soul to praise God. (sorry, don't have the verse handy) We know that if we continue on in worship in those times when we feel far away from God we will come out on the other side and find Him again, because He will bless our faithfulness and be in our midst even if we don't feel like it.