Jesus loves me

Earlier, I had posted on what it means to love Jesus. Today, I'm pondering the other side of that coin.

Thanks to a strange but brave man (or is it a group that's doing it these days?) carrying a simple sign quoting John 3:16 to football games and public events of all kinds, it is widely known that God loves us. And recently, I've had...a discussion with someone who fell back on that as justification for professing some fairly worldly views.

While it is true that the Lord loves us, it is equally true that He loves ALL of us. He loves Osama bin Laden just as much as He loves me. But that doesn't mean Osama is in His kingdom, or is living a godly life. And the Bible warns against anyone falling away from the truth, because falling away from the truth is departing from God and His salvation. It is true that the Lord will never leave us or forsake us. But He also gives us the freedom to walk away from Him, His protection and promises. We can be sure of our salvation as long as WE don't elect to walk away from it.
And those who follow the ways of the world clearly are walking away from Him (James 4:4).