Pastor A. W. Tozer wrote, “What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” If Tozer were alive today, he might discover that his quote is obsolete for many Christians. Our problem is not so much what enters our mind when we think about God, but rather that we’re not thinking about Him enough. Like a distant rich uncle, God tends to come to mind only when we need something from Him. Perhaps we would think more about Him if we better understood who He is.
One of God’s attributes is love (1 John 4:8,16). His matchless love is reflected in the perfect relationship experienced by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three Persons selflessly (from the Greek word agape) revealing the beauty of God in their individual roles—all one loving God. Jesus modeled this reality when He prayed in Gethsemane, “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine” (Luke 22:42).
God’s selfless love overflowed the boundary of the Trinity at creation. He did not need to create you and me, but it is just like God—who is love—to create others to love.
He possesses other attributes, such as holiness, that comprise His complete character. But God “does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve,” but “is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:10,13). His selfless way continues despite our sin. He is “slow to get angry,” giving us time and space to repent of our sin and turn to Him (v.8). God “loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16).
Today, let’s truly think about God—Creator, Redeemer, and selfless Lover of you and me.
More:
• Psalm 25:6-7
• Lamentations 3:22-23
• Philippians 2:3-8
Next:
What enters your mind when you hear the name “God”? How is your initial impression like and unlike the biblical picture of God?
leigh on March 17, 2009 at 2:11 pm
I always like to picture what someone looks like in my mind—like the distant uncle—but with God, we don’t know what He looks like! But I know a lot about WHO He is. It’s reminds me of my brother-in-law who was in the army and got to know his wife only through letters long before he ever met her. By the timme they finally met face to face, he was already in love! I think that’s how it will be for me when I finally see Jesus face to face! I like your last sentence: “Today, let’s truly THINK about God—Creator, Redeemer, and selfless Lover of you and me.” What a great reminder…I’m thinking! I’m thinking!
caymaniangirl on March 21, 2009 at 6:15 am
Knowing God is a relationship that I personally enjoy. No guy can fit His persona. He said in his words he will never leave me nor forsake me. He revealed himself to Elijah in a still small voice. To me, I know God through different situations. We really don’t know what God looks like but we can feel his presence. That warmth, being protected. He gave us the Holy Spirit to comfort us. The Holy Spirit taking on human like characteristics. We can grief the Holy Spirit, He is not happy when we do unlawful things. He protects us, speak to us.how wonderful is that. Knowing God we have to spend time in His word and mediate on it. God is awesome, words are indescrible in speaking about God. The greatest act God as done for me is dieing on the cross fo rmy sins-for all of us sins.
I love God and blessed is the day we as brothers and sisters meeting Him in glory!!
psalm100 on March 24, 2009 at 9:13 pm
There is no one like our God. Knowing Him as Lord and Savior is an honor and privilege. Jesus wants us to know Him. The only way to do that is to spend time with Him. Once you do, He will begin to allow you to know Him like never before.