You are so correct, and both of these extremes indicate a lack of relationship. People who relate to God from a contractual basis always become legalistic or casual. The reason is simple: it’s not treated like a relationship, it’s treated like a contractual arrangement. The legalists are afraid they’ll break the contract and God will be angry. The liberals feel that because they have a contract it doesn’t matter what they do.
I heard a man from a region in India talk about addressing his father as “Daddy G.” I had heard this many times but never realized the reason. Calling them “Daddy” was an expression of intimacy, but in order that they never become too casual and give up respect they add the “G.” We must realize when we address our heavenly Father He is Abba, i.e. Daddy, but He is also El Shaddai, the Almighty God.
This is why we are told to have the fear of God. It is not a fear of God hurting us; it is the fear of breaking God’s heart and hurting our relationship. At this point some would say, “but I’m in Christ, nothing can hurt our relationship.” This is a person who has a doctrinal arrangement, not a relationship. Maybe we need to rethink and realize nothing can hurt my standing but disrespect and unfaithfulness can hurt the relationship. JOIN ME this week and take your connection to God beyond an arrangement to a relationship!
