I’m not talking about swearing, but about our tendency to put God in a box rather than seek to know more of the infinite fullness of who he is.
Sometimes we do this out loud: “My god wouldn’t be angry because he is just a god of love. My god would not restrict me or tell me no because he wants me to be fulfilled. My god will let people of all beliefs into heaven,” etc.
Mostly, we make statements about our view of God by how we react to life.
- If we don’t search His Word or pray for guidance or ask others what their understanding of God’s ways are, then we are saying that he has nothing to say on the subject of my life.
- If we do not ask for help, we are saying he does not care or is powerless.
- If we get upset if he allows problems into our lives or the lives of people we care about, we are saying that he is just an insurance policy hired to make things turn out our way. We are saying that we know best and he does not know what he is doing.
- If we ask for forgiveness and then run around wallowing in guilt. We are saying that his forgiveness and accomplishments on the cross are not enough; we have to pay for our sins by wallowing.
- If we refuse to obey and reach out to pray in public or read the Bible in public or testify to his work in our life, we are saying that his love and power are not enough. We are saying that our performance issues are greater than his grace. (Remember Moses’ cop-out, “I just can’t talk.”)
- If we only pray by habit and not without ceasing, we are saying that he is not relevant to the current activity
Stop to ponder what you know is true about his wisdom, power, care, involvement, kindness, gentleness, etc. Then ask the Holy Spirit to help you act in the fact of your growing vision of who God really is. Act loved, valued, secured, and let him hug you and guide you and bless you as he so wants to do.
