When you ask people if they believe in God, you’ll either get a yes, no or maybe. Many people like the idea that someone or something greater than ourselves is watching over us, but who is watching over us?
I mean, many people have different ideas of who they think God is, but I’m going to narrow it down to three that I think are the most pervasive. I’ve come to see that many people either believe in the God of the Holy Trinity or the “god,” who tends to be a personal creation that many ascribe to or the universe in general. So let’s look at them a little closer.
The Universe is open space that continues for eternity, filled with stars, planets, nebulas, black holes, etc. This endless vacuum of space has been credited by many as a governing force in daily life.
I’ve heard people say, “Oh, the universe didn’t want that,” or “The universe will choose,” or “Maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.” What does the Universe want for our lives? What is its guidelines? How do you know if you are hearing from the universe? What is the universe’s ultimate goal for mankind? So many questions …
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3)
“god” – A lot of people believe in this “god,” Christians and non-believers alike worship him daily. Some call him “jesus,” others just “god” or “lord,” but many love and worship him.
This god is okay with everything: fornication, homosexuality, divorce, lying, stealing, etc. Many have created a kind of pseudo-Jesus or “god” that turns a blind eye to sin.
He understands that there are mitigating circumstances which make sin okay in certain circumstances. Your spouse doesn’t pay attention to you? It’s okay to find love in another’s arms. You cuss people out when they make you mad? It’s okay, god knows how I am.
You spend the church’s money on personal desires? It’s okay, I’ll lay hands on some parishioners and visit a couple of them in the hospital. You’re over 30-years-old and still single? It’s okay if I go get laid — if I don’t use it, I’ll lose it.
“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4)
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10)
God – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)
I’ve always had an interest in God, even when I was a little kid and couldn’t understand Him — there was an interest. I didn’t like going to church and would ditch Sabbath school all the time, but I was still interested in God.
It wasn’t until the darkest day of my life – my father’s death – that I really came to know the Lord. He carried me through that difficult time and made it more than bearable. It was during that time that I began to learn more about Him — and attend Sabbath school. I got baptized and the Lord was more a part of my life than before.
“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)
I’m guilty of worshipping “god,” that entity that is ok when I know I’m wrong — dead wrong at times. I’m grateful that I have come to know the one and only, true living God, who forgives me and edifies me everyday with His mercy and grace.
He has come along side me and let me know that He will never leave me. When God speaks it’s unmistakable, you know when He is speaking to you.
You can worship anything — your job, money, car, spouse, body, fame, fortune, etc. There is only one God that sent Jesus to die for our sins and speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, which dwells in all of us.
I dare all of us to start listening to God more and see what happens.
