One of the cruelest things you can do to a person, is to pretend that you like them more than you really do. The feeling of being used by someone who you love and trust is terrible and can cause a person to have trust issues.

But it happens every day: It’s the girlfriend who was only interested in your wallet. Or the teenage son who only speaks to you when he needs something. How about the neighbor that only comes knocking when she’s out of sugar? Or the group of friends that are only nice to you when it’s convenient?

You have probably been on the receiving end of that type of behavior and wouldn’t wish it on anybody. If I were to inform you that the One on the receiving end of this type of behavior every day is Jesus, you would probably shake your head in disbelief. 

Think with me. In church on Sunday, you look like an angel;you pray, sing and offer to help out wherever you can. When you face problems, you are the first to run to the altar, but during the rest of the week, or when life is ‘good’ you don’t give God a second thought. When you get angry you curse, when you are tempted, you go with it. When it’s time to tithe, you laugh and as for reading your Bible – you probably don’t remember where you have put it!

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” (Proverbs 16:7)

Reflect on this verse for a moment. Perhaps you could avoid a lot of problems, frustrations and failures if you would just focus on pleasing God all the time and not just when you needsomething from Him. Don’t treat Jesus like a waiter who you smile at as He serves you, but then forget all about the minute you leave the restaurant. The same love that you show to Jesus on Sunday, is the same love that He wants from you thought the week.

When you please God, He will please you, but when you turn your back on Him, you are releasing Him from the responsibility of protecting, blessing and saving you.

Fix your life before God. The responsibility for your soul is in your hands.

May the God of the Bible bless you.

Bishop Joshua Fonseca