Picture of God

[Taylor]

I think we often miss seeing a correct picture of God. There are many "false" pictures out there..but the two main ones, as I see them are:

1. Indifferent: God doesn't care what we do or believe, anything goes. He is indifferent to the problems we face and even though he could step in and "fix things" he never does.

2. Angry: God is angry at the sinner. He is forever reminding us of what we have done wrong and "rubbing our noses" in it. He's just waiting to catch us doing something wrong.

[Taylor]

However, this is how I see God and I would love to hear how you see Him.

When we sin, we usually feel guilt or eventually feel guilt. We then "hear" both Satan's and God's voice. I think it is important to recognize which is which. There are similarities in that they both "point out" that we failed, and as a result we often confuse one for the other.

Satans voice: "Boy there you go again, you always mess up, you'll never amount to anything, how many times have you done something like this?, you can't do anything to undo the problems you caused......" The Bible says that Satan is the accuser of the brethern. First he tempts you to do what is wrong, then kicks you when you are down, then makes fun of you for falling. Such negative thoughts need to be immediately dismissed because they are not from God.

God's voice: God also points out what we did wrong, but in a more matter of fact way. He states the problem, helps us think of a solution, or what we need to do to rectify the problem (such as appologize to the one we have hurt), but God spends most of his time building us up. His voice can be heard saying things like "I'm so sorry. I know that really hurt! But you know what, I'm here right beside you to help you. You and I are going to face this together, and I will never leave you. Despite this or future mess ups, I believe in you. You are an incredible person and I have some awsome plans for your life. There isn't anything you and I can't handle together. When you need a shoulder to lean on or cry on, I will be here, when you need solutions I will help you to find them, when you need direction I will be here. I believe in you. Your past doesn't define you."

Ever notice how as humans we define people by their past. "Oh you know who I am talking about....he's the kid that ran away." "Oh yes, well you remember how strange we all thought ________ was...well I just discovered they have had a problem with pornography for years." "That's the girl who had the abortion." "That's the x-church elder who lost his position when his drinking problem was discovered."

God sees us as we can become! He projects hope into our lives when all seems hopeless, he never pushes his way in but never gives up and is patient, he loves us just the way we are but loves us too much to leave us there. He is our best cheerleader.

When God forgives sin, he forgives it so thoroughly that it's as if it never happened. Oh sure, consequences can still persist as we live in a world of sin, and sometimes we still have to live with some consequences. However, the Bible says that when God forgives he forgets. He puts them in the bottom of the sea. He wants your past failures to be inaccessible, so far as defining who you are. He never condones sin, but he sees a far greater picture...and that is of the incredible plan He has for your life.

What is your view of God? How can we portray the correct picture of God to our friends, neighbors, family, church? I believe that a correct picture of God would melt many a heart of stone, would give hope to the hopeless, and meaning to life.

[Taylor]

Agreed dgrimm60, that we need to live our faith. By loving people like Jesus does, that demonstrates God's character to the world.

[Taylor]

What image of God or picture of God does your church portray? Is it successful in reaching others? Why or why not?