"…the ministry of reconciliation…."

 

2 Corinthians 5:18-19(NKJV)

Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 

that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

What do you think that means?  How does one become reconciled to God?  Is it by continually lowering God's standards so as to attract more people?  Or is it maintaining the standards that God set and then explaining to others why it is in their best interest to submit to doing things God's way?

If you have been reading what I write for very long you already know which side of this question I am on.  God was very consistent throughout the Old Testament that He is a jealous God.  That is He will not tolerate divided loyalties; people who think they can worship the One True God and at the same time worship other gods. 

Jesus said very clearly that He did not come to bring peace.  He came to force people to choose. 

Matthew 10:34-39(NKJV)

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. 

For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 

and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’  

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

So in my view the ministry of reconciliation is about bringing the truth to people and encouraging them to choose Jesus.  For those who don't want to choose let them know that "not choosing" is a choice.  It is a rejection of Jesus.  The only way to become reconciled to God is through accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. 

Have you done that yet?  If not, why not do it right now?  Just have a conversation with Jesus.  Let Him know where you are at in life and what you are looking for.  Allow Jesus into your heart and let Him guide you.  "Dear Jesus……"