An Atheist's question...

"Why does a supreme being need worship or love? If he is perfect then he has no lack. The God that you worship compares himself to a parent. If my children love someone more then they do me, I am not angry. I would be over joyed if they found someone that loved them, was good to them and that they loved. It would not anger me if my kids love their own children more then me." themaverickjester

You are right. God is perfect and He has no lack. He doesn't "need" love. You don't "need" it either. You can get along not loving a soul, and having no one love you or show you any affection. But don't you enjoy being loved? Weren't you made to love and be loved? This is because you are created in the image of God, who is love.

The day will come when your kids will love someone more than they love you. Of course that shouldn't anger you. It should make you happy. You don't want your kids hanging around your house for the rest of their lives.

Let's now add something to the mix that is missing in the analogy. Would you be okay with it if one your kids spat in your face, cussed you out, said he hated you, and then raped a neighbor's child and brutally murdered her? Then he viciously cut the throats of your own elderly parents? You may still love him, but I'm also hopeful that there would be some sense of anger at his actions.

You may think that the analogy is an over-exaggeration. But it's not. This is because God is absolute moral perfection, and any sin (even in thought) is of great offense to Him. Our failure to put Him first in our affections is rooted in the sin of ingratitude. It is to spit in His face, and our multitude of sins have greatly angered Him (see John 3:36). If you would like to see how much He has been offended, and the consequences of our actions, read the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). For Evangelism Resources, please visit LivingWaters.com.