I did a blog post a little while back about how important our individual choices are to our outcome. However, one should not think that our choices are the sole determinants of our future. God has paved the path and Jesus Christ has cleared that path of many obstacles to our ultimate success. We should each be personally grateful for the labor of Father and Son toward our best outcome.
It is disheartening to see so many people grumble and turn away from God with an attitude that the heavens are not doing enough to guarantee everyone's eternal success in the face of bad decisions and lack of decent effort. So many want exaltation to be a "free" gift that requires nothing more than tearing off wrapping paper or some such and would call such a circumstance "love". I can only foresee many petulant children shouting at God for not making their exaltation a gaily unearned action and not being handed a fine cake for what looks to be more a matriculation than an achievement.
One must see that no prize worth winning comes at no cost or sacrifice and when that prize is given from another's hand, the appropriate reaction should be gratitude toward the giver. Most would expect better manners from their children - "say thank you" - in similar earthly analogues. Too often, we appear ill-mannered to our gracious God for his far-more-than-helpful efforts and the vastness of the prize.
I can only conclude that those, when faced with such a wonderful offer for a small investment of obedience and thanks, who choose to turn up their noses are showing the conjoined twin of ingratitude, which is mistrust. I think many who set aside God and his offers are most likely motivated by a lack of trust in heavenly promises and the God who authors them. "I don't think he can really make this happen."
I only have this to say for the trustworthiness of God and his Christ - everything that they have promised me so far has been done (or looks to be coming to pass) and that gives me confidence in my Lord. I move forward in the expectation that ALL covenants and promises, to which I diligently do my part, will be DONE. In all this, I am slowly acquiring greater trust in my God. I am very grateful to do my part, however falteringly, to forwarding his goals for the family of man!
