Opus 2024-430: If God Took a Selfie

How do you picture God?  Traditionally, I think people imagine of Him sitting on a throne with a flowing beard and a lot of white hair.  You’ve seen the paintings.  When Isaiah comes into his presence in chapter 6, you get a picture of this majestic figure looking down on you from his great throne.  I have a little different view.

I tend to think of God as leaning over a banister and looking down to check out what’s going on downstairs.  I picture Him, giving just enough attention to make sure nothing goes wrong.  I don’t see Him staring at me or consumed with my activities.  After all, He is God and has other things to do.  He cares.  He watches.  He is aware of what is going on in my life.  He also created me in his image and I believe that involves free will.

I don’t think of God as being the helicopter parent, hovering over me all the time making sure that every boo-boo is kissed and every tear is wiped away.  I see Him as a parent who wants to raise a responsible, motivated, focused adult.  He doesn’t want perpetual adolescence or childhood.

So I think there is a sense in which God is not in my face all the time.  I know He’s there if I need Him.  Define need as a real momentary support not a perpetual crutch.  He gave us free will.  He asked us to come and reason with Him, but He doesn’t want us whining every time we stub our toe.  I think He often tells us to “Walk it off”.

How much does the picture correlate with reality?  Only time will tell.  You may have a totally different picture and I am good with that.  I think God is good with that too.  Keep in mind the comment He made to Moses that we can’t see His glory or we would be consumed.  I’ll take him watching over the banister, thank you, at least for now.

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