What we believe about God

What we believe about God determines everything about us.

In Ephesians 1.1-2, Paul referenced that grace and peace flow from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…  which made me think about my definition, my view of God, and what difference it makes … ‘turns out, upon closer inspection, you and I have differing views, differing experiences with God.  True, each of our ‘up-bringings’ influenced our views of God … and in turn, whatever we have experienced, and in whatever way we have invited God into our lives, well . . . that too has had an impact on our definition of God.  So rich, so interesting, so very important.

Greetings, Friends! 

In recent days, I made the statement that ‘what we think about God determines everything about us’ … why would I say such a thing?!  Is it true?  Does my viewpoint have any merit whatsoever?  I think it does.

Whether or not I am cognizant of it, how I define God determines pretty much everything about me.  A strong statement.

It determines who runs my life – is it just me?  Or ‘someone else’s idea--perhaps reverence and respect for my parents, heritage, culture or faith tradition . . .?

Truly, what I believe about God, and how he fits into my life establishes who or what I look to for truth

                         guidance

                         purpose

                         strength,

and that I look to God’s Word for my instruction and understanding.

My knowledge of God establishes my place in the world . . .

My role to be ‘in’ the world, yet not defined by it. . . . for as Paul instructed, I should not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Romans 12.2

…living as a transformed woman of God, not conformed to

      the culture’s standards or ideas, not pressured to fit

      into its mold.

What I think about God gives me a right understanding of myself as a human being, known by God before I emerged from my mother’s womb … Oh, how I love the psalmist’s understanding and divine insight: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body- Psalm 139.13-16a

What I think about God … knowing his Word tells me what I need to know about myself and my place in this world.  His Word tells me I am

~Created in the image of God, So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female. Genesis 1.27

~Endowed with a unique purpose, For I know the plans I have for you … Jeremiah 29.11

One of submission and surrender to a mighty, loving, good God …

One of humility to love and serve people

~Enrolled as a citizen of heaven; indeed, I am just passing through this life, though it is all I know now!

~Saved by faith, because of the great grace of God.

~Encouraged to live a life worthy of the Lord, and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…

Colossians 1.10.

My dear friends, what you and I believe about God determines what place we give him in our lives … whether we let him be a little part, like just church on Sunday and prayers at dinner time … or whether we let him be Lord of all.  ‘Up to you, of course, and rest assured, he will always be a gentleman.  God wants you to want more of him, and indeed, he wants to give you so much more!  Limit him, put him in a box, or open your heart and mind to the possibilities of an infinite God.  For what you believe about him determines everything about who you are!