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If spiritual growth for a Christian is about becoming more Christ-like then gaining a fundamental and consistent experience of enjoying God and of God enjoying us seems basic to the opportunity. Can a relationship grow intimate if the individuals do not enjoy each other? A relationship can be built on distrust, but not one to look forward to spending much time.
Growing up in an Evangelical church I was early exposed to “being saved” and having a personal relationship with God so I could enjoy God’s grace. Yet, the offer was usually presented as if I was not safe from God’s wrath and he was disappointed in me for my sinfulness but I could please Him by being sorry for my sin and accepting his mercy. That seemed like good news but the downside was that I kept being reminded that there was still an ever-present risk of displeasing Him. That did not seem too safe.
At times I envied some who believed that it was safe since there was no way to ever loose their salvation but then I learned that they were taught different ways to make it a risky relationship since He could be displeased seemingly at moment’s notice. How do we ever experience the peace that Jesus promises if the relationship with God is always at risk? Who wants to grow closer if we feel it just raises God’s expectations and the risk of failing? We can certainly get on the path with God but, beyond having an eternal fire-insurance policy, spiritual growth seems to be a non-starter. Growing to the point of surrender more of our everyday life here-and-now can seem way outside our spiritual comfort zone - unless we are desperate and ready to turn it over to anyone.
From Jesus human side (talking about the God-man mystery is always messy) he is portrayed in the Gospels as having a safe and deeply vulnerable relationship with the Father. He seems to be very conscious of belonging to the Father and therefore, not alone and not at immanent risk of loosing that relationship. And his intimacy with the Father was fundamental to having peace and patience with disciples who seemed like they would never “get it.” It gave his a centered place to endure fearful family members who thought he was too radical, rejection from his community and closest friends and cruel rejection.
Yes, he was the Son of God and the Gospels report that he heard that audibly from the Father. Yes, he did miracles so it is easy to wonder how he could have doubted the Father’s love. Yet, if he was tempted in everyway I am then He surely doubted and wondered if there was not a better way than suffering and rejection. If fact, that was the core issue of his temptation in the desert. His ministry was about revealing the nature of the Father’s love to us. In modern terms, he called disciples to the safest place on earth and then challenged them to go and create more of those places that came to be called churches.
In the passage quoted above, the Apostle Paul goes into great detail in Romans chapter 8 about our being “children of God” and our adoption by the Father. If what he says is true then we can belong to the Father just as Jesus did and we are not as alone as we often feel.
- How does Paul’s experience square with your personal experience of God?
- What is the image of God that comes when life seems threatening and uncertain?
- Does it give you a sense of belonging and peace or leave you fearful and alone trying to “do it good enough” for God?
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