What does God really want?

I had the most amazing compliment the other day. Somebody called me a "good Christian". The context was comparing myself to other people they knew in a few different churches, where this person had been hurt and, from their point of view, shunned.
I was blown away!

The reason I was so surprised was that I don't really see myself as a "good Christian" - and I highly doubt my church-friends would call me one. I generally don't follow the "rules" and live my life pretty much the way I want. Oh, I pray and worship, and interact with God; but, I also drink and listen to secular music for the most part.
I am not the one who'll tell someone they're going to Hell unless they "accept Jesus". I will not tell you that how you live your life is wrong. The more that I live; the more people I meet; and, the more time I meditate on what it means to Live Life, the more I am convinced that God is not intent on seeing those that do not "follow" Him suffer.

I've heard a man say many times that God is bringing humanity through the least amount of suffering to bring about the deepest connection to Himself without violating 'free will'. In short, everything that happens is designed to bring our relationship with God to a deeper level.... EVERYTHING.
If that weren't so, the either God would not be sovereign, or He wouldn't be loving.


Anyway, back to the topic I started originally....

Someone out there sees Christ in me in a way they don't see Him in other Christians. I ask myself why....
I think it's because I generally accept people for who they are. When I meat them, or talk about faith, my goal is not to get them to change so that God will like them more; nor, is it to convince them that Christianity is the "be all and end all". If anything, I would hope to encourage anyone to meet Jesus - He's such a great guy!
When I follow His story through the Gospels, I do not see a man who wants or needs people to change. Instead, I see a Man accepting of all who need love - He loves everyone who's looking for Love! That's what I see.

So, what does God really want? I believe He is leading us on the ultimate journey for Love. But, how often to we find something other than Love to plant our flag in? Every mission seems so noble at first; if only we'd carry on instead of setting up camp and building a society of religion. In my opinion, religion is not Love.



Thank you so much for the compliment. It is truly humbling. I hope and pray that I can show Christ to many as I've somehow been able to show Him to you.
Blessings.