Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

For some reason there is this direct association between believing and loving.

The story goes that there was once a beautiful young girl who grew up on an expansive estate in the countryside of Scotland. Her aging parents had adopted her as a baby and provided well for her as their only child- for they had been unable to bear any children of their own. She would one day receive as an inheritance all of the physical estate plus the complete financial holdings of her wealthy parents.

With the passing of time, she completed an exclusive education and began establishing herself in the work that was her passion. And, as the time approached when her parents would be passing on, she began to notice a great deal of interest from the young men of the neighboring communities. Not only was she attractive physically, but the one to capture her heart would also capture everything she possessed. For a while all of the attention was somewhat flattering, but after getting so many of the most believable and sincere sounding approaches she began to question the true sincerity of any of her suitors. What she truly desired was to be loved for nothing more than her heart. To be convinced of a love like that, however, would require much more than just fancy talking and elaborate schemes to impress.

She devised a means whereby she could get around the acts to the true character and intent of the young men as they came to call on her. A series of disguises was designed that she could don and use to interrupt each of them at some point along their approach to the house. From an old blind man to a crippled young girl, she transformed herself into people who might seem to be totally removed from association with the young heiress. In just a few moments of engaged conversation, she discovered so much that she could never have otherwise known. From each of them she gained a few key facts in her disguised state that could later be compared with the response given to the “one” they hoped to win. Not only was she able to see how they would treat someone of a ‘lower’ degree, but their honesty was proven to a large degree. She found that her heart was eventually drawn to the one who was most transparent and consistent in his actions and attitudes, rather than those others with the handsome faces and charming conversations, but deceptive ways. It was the one who’s removed actions confirmed those expressions ‘in’ her presence that she could believe, receive and extend her heart and all it possessed.

There is an opportunity to capture the whole prize- life, liberty, freedom, riches, fruitfulness, joy, happiness, companionship, etc. This prize is truly available to all who would make the approach to the mansion to win the heart of the One living there. Along the winding path leading there, however, there will be verification of the heart’s true love. If there is another that is really in possession of the heart’s passion, this will be revealed, not in the presence of the Beautiful One, but with those that might seem to be far removed from any elevated associations. Where there is real belief and love for the ultimate Treasure, there will be consistent expression of this love to all we may encounter along the way. Whether or not we are condemned to separation from this exceptional relationship will have much more to do with a verified love in the secret moments than the inspired and animated expressions in the ‘presence’ of the Prize.

This is a day of encounters. This is a day of verification opportunities. Whether or not we really know it, our very future and hope depends on heart expressions of this day. Will our heart reveal a true belief and passion for our Lord, or will there be cause for separation from His nearness determined by our revealing actions. Let this day be one of burning passion that touches every moment with an awareness that He is there, knowing and appreciating every true expression.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 27th, 2007 at 5:29 am and is filed under Love. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.