For by Him all things were created, in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through Him and for Him.
Colossians 1:16 ESV
Have you ever met a friend of a friend—someone that you have heard lots about over a period of time? Your friend tells you stories with this friend in it, what they do, what they say, and how they react to things. You get all excited to meet them, you have a mental picture in your head of what they will be like, and then you meet them. And they are nothing like what you thought! You realize that despite what your friend said, you filled in the blanks with a lot of your own preconceived notions and totally changed the character of this person. Have you done this with God too?
I remember having a discussion with someone once. We were both around the age of 16. We were at youth group and while most of the kids were practicing a skit for the upcoming Christmas program, he and I started talking and it turned into a discussion of the essence of who God is. I remember this guy saying, “Well to me God is … .” I don’t remember exactly what he said but I remember that it was clear that he was basing his assessment on what he thought with no scriptural backing whatsoever.
I don’t know exactly how I responded to his statement but if I could go back I would say that God is not defined by what we think of Him. He is the great I Am. The One that never changes. The One that is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We may not like certain aspects of His personality; we may be uncomfortable with some of His characteristics; we may not like how He has handled mankind’s sin and situations in the past, but that doesn’t change the fact that we don’t define who God is.
In our modern world we are moving more toward a pantheistic society, meaning that it is increasingly accepted that anything can be God and God can be anything or everything. If you believe that, that is fine. But that is not the God of the Bible. Scripture tells us clearly who He is. It tells us what He is like. We are given guidelines of how we are to live our life, principles to live by. The Bible gives us numerous examples of causes and effects: doing x causes y, and vice versa. The Bible makes it clear what He is all about. He is not defined by who we think He is. He is who He is, and we can accept or reject Him, but we cannot make Him into who we want Him to be. We serve a God that is abounding in grace and mercy; He is faithful and true; slow to anger, forgiving, and compassionate; full of wisdom. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son in order that we might spend eternity with Him. And God was willing to send Jesus to die even for those who despise Him! It is our choice. He is a good God. He is a just God. He is God.
What image do you hold of God in your mind? Perhaps you have a hard time picturing Him as a God who really cares and loves you, or perhaps you see Him as a father who only disciplines. Whatever your view, if you believe in the God of the Bible, I encourage you to spend time in His Word. Invite Him to show you His nature and His loving kindness. He will reveal Himself to those who really want to know. After all, only what He says matters.