Yesterday at work one of my employees casually commented about God not liking her very much right then, and that He was punishing her. She laughed a little after she said it and during her laughter I commented that I was quite certain that God liked her, and the current issues with her son and the other difficulties she’s dealing have nothing to do with God punishing her. “That’s not who God is,” I told her. To which she quickly said, “Oh He’s punishing me alright.”
I left the room wondering why she has such a distorted view of such a loving God. My understanding of God is so different from hers, and it’s a shame, no it’s more of a tragedy for anyone to see God through such a distorted lens. Viewing God in such a skewed fashion is like seeing Him upside down.
God is God. God is love. God is merciful and kind. God is truth. Life happens. Good stuff, bad stuff. In between stuff. God is neither a cosmic killjoy or a genie in a bottle. God is God!
March 26, 2008 at 10:49 am
It’s truly amazing how we turn God upside down, and try to put Him into our box of understanding. That we even attempt to grasp Him is futile. That we attempt to fit His truth, love and joy in us, into our own petty perspective of expectations, knowledge, rules, religion, etc. is sad. That we attempt our continuous struggle for independence from Him is death. That we attempt to do anything BUT experience and relish His love and affection for us is a tragedy.
I needed this today!
Thanks
March 26, 2008 at 6:59 pm
that was so cool!
March 31, 2008 at 1:07 am
Mark, (this is Reed and Phil’s roommate Ryan)
I really appreciated this post, and I love the video. I was just having a discussion with my mom over Spring Break about how God works in our lives, and I agree that He does not punish us. Sometimes it’s easier to say that we are being punished than it is to accept the consequences of actions we and those around us take. In truth God is the one who is waiting for us to turn to when those consequences catch-up to us and who can turn everything upside-down, which is often right-side up.
May 21, 2008 at 2:12 pm
awesome post!!!