Teen Articles
Good Enough For God?
by Loren M. Chamberlain
Are we good enough for God? Well, no we aren't. But just because we are not good enough for God does not mean that He will not save us. Sometimes we might even think, "salvation is for everyone but me!" If these thoughts ever crossed your mind, you probably aren't alone. However, take the time to read this cool verse. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)
Isn't that great? If God gave His son for you, He isn't going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave His life for you, He isn't going to turn around and condemn you! God really wants to give you all things. Of course He is not going to give you your own Jet aircraft if you are still working on getting your auto drivers license. Neither would your parents. (Please love them, respect them, and obey them. You really will make points with God by doing so.)
God is a great giver. A lot of people are under the impression that God is a taker-- always wanting something from them, but this is not true. Notice Jesus' own words in John 10:10. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." God wants you blessed with abundance. Satan is the thief who comes to steal your lunch and everything else you've got. Satan is the one who accuses. However, we needn't fear, because Jesus is interceding for us in heaven right now and God has acquitted us and removed our sin and guilt. You see, Jesus is the advocate for our defense, and He stands at God's right hand to present our case. He mediates between God and us. As our representative, He intercedes for us before God and assures us of God's forgiveness. Naturally, we must be sorry for sinning against God and ask Him to forgive us in the name of His Son Jesus. Jesus has more authority than anyone else because He is truly God and truly man. He is always at God's right hand and always available when we pray.
God wants to give you the desires of your heart, up to a point. Obviously, He is not going to give you what is contrary to His law. There is a principle here that is good to remember. "God will not bless anything that is contrary to His Law." So, it is a wise thing to consider what we ask God for. It is also a wise thing to seek after Him. When we do, with all our heart, He will then begin to put good desires in our hearts. As we begin to understand how good and how right His desires are for us they'll become our desires too. Also, remember your parents. They love you. They want the best for you just as God does. And lets face it, parents know us pretty well, so seek their advice.
In the coming years you'll make many important decisions about your future. No matter how carefully you plan, the results are not completely in your hands. Trust God to be with you as you make a decision, and when you act on it.
There are few opportunities that come without risk, and every decision you make is an opportunity to grow, mentally, physically, and spiritually. As you put your hand in the Hand of God, know that He will guide you and bless you as you travel His pathway of life while you make decisions that will shape your life for the good of yourself and others.
Are we good enough for God? The answer is still No! But, God is more than good enough for us, and He wants to give us "All Things."
Check out these Scriptures: Romans 8:31-39; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 2:8; John 14:14; Hebrews 4:14-16.
by Loren M. Chamberlain
Are we good enough for God? Well, no we aren't. But just because we are not good enough for God does not mean that He will not save us. Sometimes we might even think, "salvation is for everyone but me!" If these thoughts ever crossed your mind, you probably aren't alone. However, take the time to read this cool verse. "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32)
Isn't that great? If God gave His son for you, He isn't going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Christ gave His life for you, He isn't going to turn around and condemn you! God really wants to give you all things. Of course He is not going to give you your own Jet aircraft if you are still working on getting your auto drivers license. Neither would your parents. (Please love them, respect them, and obey them. You really will make points with God by doing so.)
God is a great giver. A lot of people are under the impression that God is a taker-- always wanting something from them, but this is not true. Notice Jesus' own words in John 10:10. "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." God wants you blessed with abundance. Satan is the thief who comes to steal your lunch and everything else you've got. Satan is the one who accuses. However, we needn't fear, because Jesus is interceding for us in heaven right now and God has acquitted us and removed our sin and guilt. You see, Jesus is the advocate for our defense, and He stands at God's right hand to present our case. He mediates between God and us. As our representative, He intercedes for us before God and assures us of God's forgiveness. Naturally, we must be sorry for sinning against God and ask Him to forgive us in the name of His Son Jesus. Jesus has more authority than anyone else because He is truly God and truly man. He is always at God's right hand and always available when we pray.
God wants to give you the desires of your heart, up to a point. Obviously, He is not going to give you what is contrary to His law. There is a principle here that is good to remember. "God will not bless anything that is contrary to His Law." So, it is a wise thing to consider what we ask God for. It is also a wise thing to seek after Him. When we do, with all our heart, He will then begin to put good desires in our hearts. As we begin to understand how good and how right His desires are for us they'll become our desires too. Also, remember your parents. They love you. They want the best for you just as God does. And lets face it, parents know us pretty well, so seek their advice.
In the coming years you'll make many important decisions about your future. No matter how carefully you plan, the results are not completely in your hands. Trust God to be with you as you make a decision, and when you act on it.
There are few opportunities that come without risk, and every decision you make is an opportunity to grow, mentally, physically, and spiritually. As you put your hand in the Hand of God, know that He will guide you and bless you as you travel His pathway of life while you make decisions that will shape your life for the good of yourself and others.
Are we good enough for God? The answer is still No! But, God is more than good enough for us, and He wants to give us "All Things."
Check out these Scriptures: Romans 8:31-39; Psalm 37:4; Psalm 2:8; John 14:14; Hebrews 4:14-16.
Copyright 2008 
Church of God International. All rights
reserved.
sky@cgi.org
Church of God International. All rights
reserved.sky@cgi.org