Did our multiverse all start with a bang? Genesis 1 didn’t mention a loud noise, but one thing I know for sure - our Creator is my Heavenly Father. And for my Christian faith, that relationality means everything! We were created “in His image” and that produces divine and human connectivity - dynamic relationships with God and those around us.
Belief in general can be a bit flimsy, with so much we just don't yet know. Our conscious mind and earnest heart are constantly decoding our human experience as we attempt to make sense of ourselves and the world. How we do this definitely matters, because emotional bias can creep in and confuse our rational side.
In our constant quest as truth-seekers, I believe our efforts should center on our growing perception and relationship with Abba Father, and not as much on perfect scripture interpretation and liturgy. Jesus died to fulfill the law, and with that, our faith’s focus becomes the key. It’s not just faith, but faith in God.
As my former Faith Center Pastor Roy Hicks Jr. use to say, “It’s not religion, it’s relationship!”
So how can we focus on God the Father? And what about His Son? First let me say that in my opinion, our modern Christian experience tends to focus more on Jesus, and not so much on the Father (that can be ok - but I hope we’re not missing something). God is typically more the authority figure in our imagination, while Jesus is the compassionate friend who died for us. Does that make God seem less approachable?
Does He have a branding problem?
Well, maybe. In all our lives, authorities loom large. They likely have the most impact on us – for good and for bad. No doubt we have already assigned attributes (and made assumptions) about who God the Father is, taken from the sum-total of our experiences with our earthly authorities – again both good and bad.
Besides being created in God’s image, we share His spiritual DNA.
We are not only connected, but we also share some attributes. Yes God is God, but doesn’t He practice the same fruits of the Spirit that we subscribe to? Let’s all imagine a perfect father/mother, with all the best traits. Now let’s rightfully assign those to our Heavenly Father.
And then we stumble.
In the midst of the idealizing in our minds, we remember times when we failed to experience those traits from our earthly authorities (now we’re cynical) or we’ve failed in some parenting attempts (we feel remorse and guilt).
But still we are connected. Like glue.
Those connections can be hard sometimes, but we can learn from them. And the better part is this: Our connections are useful comparisons, and they work in two directions. As we learn from God, we can be a better friend or a more in-tune spouse - and be more compassionate. And as we become better people, we can through each other, understand God more clearly and love Him more completely.
My favorite image of a good father comes from the bible’s prodigal son story. Daddy ran to his son and welcomed him with a kiss and embrace. He didn’t want his money back. He did not punish him. He wouldn’t even let him apologize! He just wanted his son in his life again. Is this our image of our God? It should be, and it certainly can be!
Maybe like the prodigal son, we just need to get past the trauma of running away, and now slow down and enjoy our moments with Him. Remind ourselves that Abba has our best human attributes too and to use what we share as talking points to get to know Him better. Reason with Him, ask questions and listen. And certainly, let Him be a part of our laughing and crying. And our adventuring. Be amazed at His creation and thank Him for it.
Get past fear. Put away shame. And calm our anxiety. Let’s lean into connectivity with Abba Father and be in relationship!
Luke 15:20-24 MSG
“When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’
But the father wasn’t listening. He was calling to the servants, ‘Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then get a prize-winning heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here - given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.”
About the Author
Terry is a man in constant motion to explore new horizons. He has a thirst for new places and faces, and a deep love for the natural world - with a weakness for waterfalls and sunsets. All of this venturing out helps to both ground and inspire him, because it opens him up to people, with their vast, collective array of experiences, outlooks and responses.
He finds all of this fascinating and sees that it has encouraged the growth of something crucial in his Christian development: empathy and compassion toward his brothers and sisters on this planet.
