There is much religious stuff said about Christianity, and some only get to “gotta get right with Jesus.” There is more to it than that. You can get from “gotta” to “get to”. “Gotta” is two things in basic: 1, recognition that there is something missing that needs answering and 2, a religious recognition and acceptance that the God of the Judeo-Christian Bible is a must have because that is the way you were taught.
Jesus likened these two examples in prayers toward God. One made loud noises and a show that he was praying while the other kept quiet and prayed with bowed head. The example was not so much about methods of prayer as heart conditions of those praying. If you pray out of religious duty then you might as well pray to the ceiling and give it a good show. But if you pray out of a humble heart, being thankful, and out of a desire for a real relationship God you are getting the right idea. The “gotta” in this respect is sincerity and a deep need for Him – the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Jesus.
When your life becomes recognition for Him then comes salvation and right relationship through what Jesus did and does now. “Gotta” becomes your must have, your must do. Then you learn more about and receive His love. Once there… well… Knowing Him by His love for us, for you personally; cultivating a walking relationship with Him; there is nothing else like that, and you discover – after all Jesus did – you “get to” be with God.
There are moments in life when you realize things: moments of epiphany. Your first date when you realized that other person was with you because they chose to be. When you are around family and friends and you realize “I get to be with them”. The same is true after walking with God a bit, or being delivered from some pretty tough stuff, you realize you “get to” because it is a privilege.
The people in our lives for whom we care so much are special privileges and choices. We are fortunate when we recognize that. The same is true, and better, when we realize God chooses us. And through Jesus we have the special privilege of being with God… and all His benefits.
The prodigal son came home to be a servant in his father’s house. His father took him as returned from the dead and gave his son all of the benefits of being an heir in his house. You have that because of Jesus. You have all of the benefits of being in God’s house. Just receive them. Get in the Bible and find out what God gave as bonus to being with Him. It is not about the stuff. That is bonus. It is about being with Him and realizing you “get to”. Amen?
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