Have you ever heard of the phrase, "etched in stone?" Another used is, "You can take that to the bank." What each of these statements mean is what is being said is absolute. There are no, if's, and's or but's about which to speculate. Let us refer to this phrase as an absolute truth.
Since infancy, we have been rewarded for doing good and being good. We even use this reward system with our pets. Doggy treats are big business. Kinja, a cute little Yorkie once owned, was a little princess and quite clever at earning treats from Missy. (She called me Missy.)
Much of what is etched in stone today was not written on tablets being held by Moses. The special effects used during the Ten Commandments film was always an enjoyable viewing. So much of what is received nowadays has to be earned. If you wish to receive a credit card, a good credit score will grant it to you. Buying a house also requires a good credit score in addition to a very low debt to income ratio. Applying for a job must be earned based on education, previous work experience, qualifications and various requisites before being hired for the position. Being accepted into an institution of higher learning also requires the applicant to earn admission.
There is nothing wrong with earning a living, position for employment, admission to school, the right to own a car or home. These qualifications are meant to be unbiased and offer equal opportunities to everyone. But, they must be earned. Conditions are placed on practically everything as this is how our society works.
There is something other than the Ten Commandments that is etched in stone. It comes with no conditions. It does not require being earned to receive it. There is nothing on earth or in the universe that can separate us from it and we can take that to the bank! It's an absolute truth. We do not have to be "good" to receive it. In truth, we can be totally undeserving of it yet it is given to us freely. No matter what we do, it will be there for us, even if we reject it.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 KJV
God's love for us is etched in stone. It cannot be erased, destroyed, deleted, avoided or withheld. Even if we reject it, it is still there for us. You are not being told we will not be punished because of His love, not at all. All good parents render punishment to their children. It serves as discipline and correction.
If you feel all hope is gone, it is not. If you feel you are unlovable, unloved, alone or without a friend in the world, you are absolutely being deceived by those thoughts. They are not true. God loves you. Visualize a rough stone (or smooth one) and these words carved on it: "God loves me."
It really is etched in stone. It is an absolute truth!
Photo: iStockpotCopyright © 2008 by Avis Ward of GeoVi's Home for Pregnant Teens
