Inspiration of Love 08
Why do Christians experience episodes of distrust and unbelief? Why do they fall under the impression that God doesn't care? Have they not believed, in faith surrendered to him, and dedicated their lives to his will and wisdom?
There are some answers: forgetfulness, taking focus off Jesus (as Peter did on the water), being lured by lust into sin, weakness of the flesh, the negative influence of others and the daemonic, etc.
However, all of the above are superseded by a proper view of God. The more one truly knows about God (by teaching and experience), his character, his heart, his will, overshadows detracting influences.
In short, one's view of God is absolutely essential. A Christian believes at all times that God is for them and has their best interests at heart (Rom 8:31). That Jesus came into the world to impart abundant spiritual life; therefore, it is not God who steals, kills, and destroys in this world (Jn 10:10).1 That God's nature is love (1 Jn 4:8, 16); on this we rely!
We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and he who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.
1 John 4:16
There is an interesting parallel with a questions about the universe on this subject. There is a seemingly unverifiable quotation attributed to Albert Einstein about the friendliness of the universe: "I think the most important question facing humanity is, ‘Is the universe a friendly place?’ This is the first and most basic question all people must answer for themselves."
Though Einstein may be misrepresented here, why is this type of question so fundamental? Because your answer will direct the course of your life. . . . The quote concluded: "If we decide that the universe is neither friendly nor unfriendly and that God is essentially ‘playing dice with the universe’, then we are simply victims to the random toss of the dice and our lives have no real purpose or meaning. But if we decide that the universe is a friendly place, then we will use our technology, our scientific discoveries and our natural resources to create tools and models for understanding that universe. Because power and safety will come through understanding its workings and its motives."
The spiritual point is the same. If you believe that God is not loving, is not intent on producing and preserving life, and is working against you, there is no recourse except distrust and rejection of him. However, if you believe in God's life-giving and loving nature, then you can abide in that life and life. Abiding in the God of love scatters the dark of doubt away, creates a consistent faith, and a loving purpose in your heart and actions.
What is your view of God?
Perhaps take a look at your life and find out.
Perhaps an examination and reconsideration of your view of God is in order, for spiritual life is abundant where Christ is.
1. Let's not confuse God's sovereignty with his will. Simply, if God's will were accomplished everywhere, then there was no need for Jesus to teach the practical goal of bringing about God's will on earth as it presently is in heaven (Mt 6:10). Part of the coming spiritual kingdom is the establishing of God's will on earth, clearly indicating that not all happening on earth is God's will.
Also, Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn 3:8). Just because God is sovereign over the devil doesn't mean God produces the stealing, killing, and destroying of the devil. If God is the cause of your evil actions: (i) how can anyone trust him? (ii) then you are not responsible?
Perhaps this is all for another discussion. But confusing God's Dominion and Lordship over creation with his Will makes for some ignorant interpretive conclusions, like attributing the anti-spiritual and anti-Christ works of Satan to YHWH. If that is the case, then 1 John 3:8 should read: The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy YHWH's work. Except the Creator's work produces bios life and zoe life in abundance.
