No Strings Attached

In a world of hidden clauses where so many shy away from commitment, it is not uncommon to hear advertisers lure prospective customers with phrases like “No questions asked” “No strings attached”. In fact, there is even a cool way of saying “No Strings Attached”; it’s NSA! The urban dictionary defines “No strings Attached” as being in a relationship with someone, while still dating other people,  so there is no anxiety of worrying about where he or she is,  or what they are doing.

Against the background of the foregoing, when we hear the bible say  “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:5), we are tempted to say “God, you ask for too much!” Yet God does not hold back in His affection towards us. 

God loves us extravagantly, He is lavish in grace!  He expresses His total commitment to us when He says “I will never leave you or forsake you!” Before Dolly Parton or Whitney Houston ever voiced the song “I will always love you” God had those words penned down "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3). Actually, the contemporary English version of the bible simply says "I will always love you!" 

The famous television talk/game show host, Steve Harvey, had his family show up on set some time ago as a surprise for his birthday. The children all talked emotionally about how much their dad had done for them, but the one kid that blew my mind was the one who with trembling lips thanked Steve Harvey for giving him his name to bear.  1^st John 3:1 puts it this way; “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding (Ephesians 1:8).

When Joshua was afraid to take a step forward in leadership, God reassured Joshua that He’s got his back; "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you"(Deuteronomy 31:6). How many times have we longed to hear such reassurances from a man and never got it? Even when man  promises, he may fail us, but with God we have a rock solid anchor where we can rest our hearts.

What can we give to a God who has given us everything? In the closing words of a famous hymn, When I survey the Wondrous Cross,  by Isaac Watts, this worshiper writes; “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!” Only after we give it all in our relationship with the Lord can we really begin to find true meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in our relationship with others.

 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27)