So Selfish!

 

'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.'

 ~Romans 8:28~

Even in the face of this assurance, people can, will, and do argue how selfish God is. How dare He! Everything goes by his will, his plan, his course of action (Romans 12:2b). Doesn't He care about us? Being the creator, shouldn't caring about our desires be a no brainer? 

Have you looked up the word 'selfish'? It means being devoted only to oneself; primarily concerned with one's own benefits, beliefs, welfare, etc.

God is indeed driven by purpose, his purpose as we can relate to. For work, for family, for self-fulfillment, we understand what it is to reach each day for the endgame. But there is an important detail to remember with this- the anchor of any of God's motives and plans. Which is OUR needs!

'Blessed is the one whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty' 

~Job 5:17~

This is spoken to JOB. The same Job who lost everything! His property, his wealth, and all of his children. Actions that all revolved around this man's ability to trust in God's purpose. A purpose that is lead by a singular love for His child.

So why does something so loving and selfless come across as self-centered? Because, well, we are the child. And a child's understanding is always pigeon-holed of their parent's discipline, restrictions, and the ever-resounding 'NO!'.

'A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.' ~Proverbs 29:15~

God sees the needs for our hearts, minds, and bodies- the ones we can see and more vitally, those we can't see. Our biggest need is an eternal life and relationship and Him. For believers, this is where all roads lead. The rough part is remaining on these roads and remaining assured of where they lead;

'Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord, the one you teach from your law; you grant them relief from days of trouble till a pit is dug for the wicked. For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.' 

~Psalm 94:12-14~

We are human; we have ideas about how life should go. But, we are humans loved by the One who is always picturing the best life for us!