Pander - 2

I'm still on the subject of pandering. I can't seem to let it drop it since several days ago. How about pandering to God? Can you pander to God. I think that's not a possibility if you believe in an infinitely benevolent God. I believe God will not want his children to pander. After all, God holds back nothing from us. There is no reason to pander. Whatever we do, it should be a pure expression of our love, gratitude and devotion. If despite of all God has given to us, we still display a pandering attitude, it is sad indeed.

I acknowledge, however, we are often influenced by our Asian heritage. In Asia, it is widely practiced to give offering to the gods to appease them so that no calamities befall those who give. Isn't that another form of pandering? This bring me back to the case of Cain and Abel. Did God rejected Cain's offering because of his pandering attitude?

What about pandering to one's husband or wife? I know of wives who pander to their husbands for a new Louis Vuitton/Channel handbags or jewelries. I also heard of husbands who pander to their wives with branded bags and jewelries for sexual gratification. In fact, many couples are still together because they dance to this tune so well. It's a give and take relationship they justified. Gifts giving and sexual intercourse which should be an expression of love become a token of exchange.

Life is full of pressures I suppose. There are pressures from parents, in laws, children, bosses, teachers and others. How are Christians to guard ourselves? By first offering our hearts to God sincerely and wholly, and the rest will fall into place.

The rules for Christian households given in Colossians 3:18-24 is summarized in verse 23 which reads "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."