I had a longer post written and then silly me – I walked away from the computer to change a diaper! Then someone closed “mommy’s side” (my login) and all was lost…
In the Excellent Wife, Chapter Two addresses how our perception of God changes the way that we relate to him. I wanted to dig a little deeper and make this more personal so we can really apply this foundational chapter to our lives.
I came across this very interesting Time Magazine poll and article. Even this secular magazine notes that the way we see God has an affect on how we view politics.
Here’s the poll: “How We View God”
And the related article “Behind America’s Different Perceptions of God”
The categories from the poll are : Authoritarian God, Benevolent God, Critical God, Distant God
My question to my pals – how do YOU view God?
Think about a recent crisis. How did you respond?
What were your first thoughts about God (anger for allowing this to happen), frustration (upset that you did the right things but this crisis wasn’t fair to you), unbelief (giving up hope; despair), contentment/trust (doesn’t matter what happens, I’ll trust in you) (speaking of which, did anyone see the Tammy Faye interview on Larry King? Wow.), worry that he was punishing you for something did wrong, “lets make a deal” (passive rebellion) – I’ll do this or that if you just _____ ), or maybe you didn’t think about God at all (it’s okay to admit this!!)?
How did these first thoughts about God shape your response (both in action and in your heart)?
Then, how did the crisis turn out/resolve itself/or how is it continuing and what were/are your thoughts in hindsight about your initial response to God?
Hmm…