While waiting on a cup of coffee in downtown Birmingham two months ago, I picked up a half-page flier printed on glossy card stock. It was an advertisement for I'll Make You Love Me, a monologue show written by J'Mel Davidson and directed by Doug O'Neil. By the way, I have no clue who these folks are....just reading what it says on the flier.The photo (inset at right) shows a parent and an infant child in silhouette with the following statement superimposed: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions."
When I picked the card up out of sheer curiosity, I turned it over and discovered that the show was being presented by The Feminist Dedutante Guild. I must confess, I have no clue what constitutes a "Feminist Dedutante."
So, what about that statement: "Love means never having to be accountable for your actions." Is there any validity to that? I submit we should consult the very source, the very personification (so to speak) of love -- Almighty God. What does God's word say about love and its relationship to our actions and accountability therefor?
Does God love us even when our actions do not align with his will? "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8, ESV). So, the answer is yes...God loves us even when we stand in rebellion to him. However, that does not mean he loves -- or even approves of -- our actions. Will we be accountable for our unrighteous actions even though God clearly declares his love for us in the midst thereof? Consider the following:
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."
Matthew 12:36, ESV
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Romans 14:12, ESV
The time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead."
1 Peter 4:3-5, ESV
Some of us have become so accustomed to justice bending to the will of the accused that we actually believe the Judge of all mankind will follow suit. Let me assure you, dear reader friend, that God will execute perfect justice. His love and mercy will reign on that day for those covered in the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb. For those who have left this realm unprepared and unredeemed, though he love them, they will be held accountable for their unholy actions.
Notwithstanding the Birmingham Feminist Dedutante Guild's propaganda, love means the opportunity to serve a God who is willing to forgive upon our repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God's love does not somehow cancel the righteous and just facets of his nature which demand holiness (1 Peter 1:16).
Interesting what you can learn while waiting on a cup of coffee, isn't it?
r2
