Would You Want to Attend a Party at God's House? (Free Invitation)
Due to the time when this article is being published, you're probably saying to yourself, "I'd love to go to a party at ANYONE's house." And I agree, seeing people once again would be ideal. But what if you saw a flyer, or advertisement that said this:
"God is having a party at His house! Everyone who is someone is going to be there."
Would you want an invite? If you're a Christian like me, you know that God/Jesus have a track record for throwing EPIC parties. I mean, think about Jesus' last dinner party on earth with his disciples. We're all still talking about it today!
You may be asking, how do I get invited to the party?
God actually created a requirements checklist to receive an invitation for a party at His house. You can find it in the Bible, in Psalm 15 specifically. Here it is:
God, who gets invited to dinner at your place? How do we get on your guest list? "Walk blamelessly, act right, tell the truth. Whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no blame on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear God; keep your word even when it costs you, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. You'll never get blacklisted if you live like this." - Psalm 15:1-5 (Combined NIV and Message translations.)
After reading through this passage of scripture, we can break it into 7 main points that need to be followed if you'd like to receive your invitation to a party at God's house. Are you ready to dive into them?
7 Points to get on the invite list for a party at God's house:
#1. Walk blamelessly and act rightThis means to be innocent of wrongdoings and acting right. The only way to learn how to do this properly is to be grounded in the word of God. The bible shows us how to live a life of righteousness.#2. Tell the truth and do not slanderBe honest; don't lie. Do not talk bad about anyone. Remember that God loves them just as much as He loves you.#3. Do not wrong others or cast blame on themSimply put, this means treating others the way you want them to treat you. Respect everyone, even when they do not deserve it.#4. Despise the vile but honor those who fear GodNever despise any person; we are to love everyone. Love the sinner, hate the sin. Don't involve yourself with the vile. Show honor and respect to your brothers and sisters that fear God and are doing their best, don't bring them down, lift them up.#5. Keep your word and don't change your mindBe a man or woman of your word. If you say you are going to do something, do it. Even if you don't want to do it anymore, do it to keep your name in good standing. Walk in integrity!!!#6. Lend without interestWhen a brother or sister in Christ needs help; help them! Expect nothing in return. This isn't just financial; it is also speaking of being willing to give your time.#7. Accept no bribeBribes are typically illegal or centered on dishonest transactions. Avoid these things; turn from them and run. Let everything you do with your life be for God.After reading this, you're probably thinking, "Dang Alex, this party must be exclusive with a tough checklist like that!" And you're 100% right about that. (More on this topic: 'Am I really saved? Will I make it to Heaven?')
But there is good news for you and me.
Lamentations 3:22-23 tells us that God's mercies for us are new every morning. Grace saves us, not works. Jesus lived and died for us because we were lost and unable to perfect the 7 points above. We do not have to be perfect. However, we do need to do our best every single day.Philippians 2:12 tells us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. God knows our hearts; we will be welcomed into Heaven (His everlasting party pad) if we are truly doing our best to be the person that He has called us to be. I encourage you today, spend some time focusing on these 7 points above and press on! Keep on offering your best to God every single day. Remember that James 1:4 tells us to let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Let's continue to pursue God with everything we have. Not just so we can have fun at God's parties, but also because we truly love and desire to serve Him.