James 2:23 King James Version (KJV) And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Forgive my trying to be clever here with associating imputed with impudent. I am concerned at this moment with attitudes which can arise from being overly familiar with our thrice holy God.

I am speaking from experience right now. I have been arrogant at times which is off putting. While I am ashamed to admit it, I must be honest in my assessment of my own behaviors. At this time I do not personally know anyone with this problem.

I do however perceive some who have a very comfortable relationship with our Lord. Comfortable is a relaxed position and a position that is not always on guard against the craftiest tactics of our enemy.

What if I were to say that Abraham was given credit for being righteous? Credit is not a position of earning, it is indebtedness. The ESV uses the words “it was counted to him as righteousness”.

Getting overly familiar with our Lord can lead to an attitude that sounds a little like this. “You know I love you.” It tends to assume rather than show love by words and deeds. I loathe the term pew potato because it assumes contentment without activity. We might be seen as pew potatoes if we get complacent about having done enough. That is an ugly image.

 While I do believe in improving our relationship with our Lord I also recognize that He defines the limits. It is not that we will ever stop growing in the Christ. The roots determine the strength of a tree and not the branches.