Business With Godનમૂનો

Who are we? Who is God? And who is God to us? All of our behavior is determined by how our heart answers these questions. 

And, I think we can agree, whatever the objective answers to these questions are (i.e. God’s answers)... these determine our actual identity. The extent we agree with God will be the extent we know who we truly are. And if we know who we truly are, we will act like we were meant to act. And if we do that, we will experience God as we were always meant to experience Him.

When we don't know and believe God's answers, we will have false identities, skewed motives, unhealthy ambitions, and incorrect definitions of success. Essentially, we act like orphans.

Orphans are children without parents. They have no one who takes responsibility for their housing, clothing, nourishment, personal development, and (most importantly) their needs for love. Orphans have to provide for and figure out everything themselves.

I hope you find it deeply disconcerting that our society's definition of adulthood matches so closely our description of orphan-hood. It's no surprise, then, that many in the church find the lifestyle and teachings of Jesus so terrifying.

Is God who He says He is? Are you who He says you are? As Christians, at some point, we must resolve that these are true. When we do, our eyes will be opened: we will see the various ways Father God has been providing for us, leading us, and teaching us. And we will find obedience to the Holy Spirit much easier.

If this seems too daunting, then (again), I suggest childlikeness. Tell God why you don't trust Him as a Father. And, if you're ready, tell Him you'd like to start making steps to know Him as one. He will teach you!

When we know we are children of God, we don't doubt whether He will provide for us. We don't question whether He will teach us or show up. And we don't doubt that we are deeply loved. Insecurity goes out the window. Posturing begins to look like extremely lame behavior. The greatness of other people and businesses become occasions for celebration and learning. The love of money and the fear of lack no longer have dominion over our lives. Financial failure is not so terrifying, and financial success is not so personal. Instead, our priority and joy is found in knowing, experiencing, and demonstrating the love of God. How much are we "with" God today? That is the success or failure we ultimately care about.

So, here are today's questions:

1. When we know God loves us, it matters much less if others do or don't. How have you doubted the love of God?

2. How has this affected your behavior?

3. What about His love do you need to believe today?