<iframe width="400" height="225" id="youtube_iframe" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PvOfCIeqXgA?feature=oembed&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://safe.txmblr.com&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen title=""Does It Make a Difference to God If You're Naughty Or Nice?" by @Kaala of 3MinuteMessage.com"></iframe>

by @Kaala

► Join the 3MM Community Now at http://3MinuteMessage.com

Listen to the Podcast

====================

I think we sometimes get Santa Claus and Almighty God confused. We think that if *we* are nice then God will be nice to us and if we’re naughty we’re in trouble and getting a stocking full of coal. Does our behavior make a difference to God? 

Let’s look at *the* song that may have caused this confusion and let me explain.

You know the song. In fact, you’re probably humming it right now and if not you will be for the rest of the day after this message. Come on sing along:

He’s making a list and checking it twice

Gonna find out who’s naughty or nice…

Who’s coming to town? 

Yep. That’s right. Santa Claus. And he has an if/then arrangement with you according to the song that if you are not naughty but are nice you’ll receive lots of and I quote

“Little toy dolls that cuddle and coo

Elephants, boats and Kiddie cars too”

The song is a teaching tool for children to motivate good behavior. We all know that the song is best understood as “you better be good or you won’t get anything.”

We know it makes a difference to Santa Claus but does it make a difference to God if we’re naughty or nice? 

And let’s define terms here. Naughty means doing bad things, call it *sin,* or “missing the mark” or “falling short.”

Nice means *not* doing bad things but instead doing good things. 

So. Does it matter? 

Let me say no, no and yes. 

First, no, our naughtiness or niceness does not make a difference in God’s love for us. The bible clearly says that God loved us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:7-8)

When we say that God loves us unconditionally, that means, um, unconditionally. 

Second, no, our being naughty or nice does NOT affect our salvation or entry into heaven. Again, the bible clearly states that it is NOTHING we do that merits salvation; it is ONLY the grace of God in Jesus. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

If at anytime you think your acts of goodness, niceness and righteousness DESERVE God’s goodness and niceness to you you’re worshipping a figment of your imagination.

Thirdly, I do say “yes” our behavior makes a difference to God in the way that a loving father is happy or sad by the actions of his loving children. 

To receive his love and his gift of salvation it does not matter if you’re naughty or nice, because nothing will ever separate you from the love of God that is found in Jesus.

The *only* thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love. And 

So stop being motivated to be good out of fear of punishment from God. That’s so not going to happen. When you’re motivated by fear or guilt your life can never be one of confidence, mercy and abundance. Only when our behaviors and actions are motivated to love because God *first loved us* can we truly be joyful and secure. 

Be motivated to be good, not out of guilt or fear, but only out of love.

====================

Subscribe on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=threeminutemessage

Like Us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/3MinuteMessage

Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/3MinuteMessage and http://twitter.com/kaala

G+ Us: http://gplus.to/3minutemessage

Subscribe to the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-3-minute-message/id682224076?mt=2