Show notes
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