I have noticed in talking with other people that we all have different
ideas about God. I feel so concretely about my beliefs but, ironically, so do
others. This has troubled me, as I do not want to be wrong in my
understanding of God. I tend to believe in a benevolent God, one who is
highly engage with mankind but is not judgmental in this life, reserving
judgment for the great white throne of judgment (Rev. 20:11-12).
[1]However, I know God has shown wrath in many biblical stories. I guess
a specific question I hope to answer in this class is how is God to truly be
viewed? I believe answering this question will result in the personal goal of
truly experiencing the world through the lens of a world under God as He
truly is, not how I believe Him to be.
I do not yet know what the Lord has for me after seminary. I hope
to serve in a preaching or teaching capacity. I imagine that having a well-
rounded and biblically-based understanding of God is a must in such a
role, as leaders in ministry are held accountable for the ways in which
they do or do not lead those in their care. With that said, I am sure I will
use the things I learn in this class toward such sermons or lesson plans. I
feel that name it and claim it type preachers set their congregants up to
be let down, as the Bible does not promise believers that they will live out
their days on easy street. In fact, Jesus said, “In this world you will have
tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33).
[2]
I also do not want to give off the impression of a God who is
completely hands off, as the Bible clearly does state that God answers
prayer. God is complex and, therefore, efforts to label Him to a
predetermined category is general an incomplete understanding of God. I
heard Billy Graham say on the radio one time, “If God were small enough
for man to understand, He would not be big enough to meet man’s
needs.” Realizing that I cannot fully understand God, I believe knowing as
much as I possibly can about Him will enhance my faith-walk and lead to
spiritual growth. That growth, of course, should produce more fruit in my
service to others, both now and in future ministry endeavors.
Bibliography
Froese, Paul and Christopher Bader.America's Four Gods, What We Say
About God & What That Says About Us.New York: Oxford University Press,
2015.
[1]Paul Froese and Christopher Bader,America’s Four Gods, What We Say
About God & What that Says
About Us, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2015), 24.
[2]Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New
King James Version.
