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Incorrect Views of God Is your view of God Biblically correct? A.W. Tozer wrote in his book Knowledge of the Holy: “What comes into our minds when we first thing about God “Low views of God destroy the gospel for all who hold them.” (Pg. 3) Another has said: “One of the greatest obstacles to a meaningful relationship There are incorrect ways to view God and how often Christians and non-Christians do just that! Let’s examine some incorrect views of God: (Names taken from Proteens Building Your Faith by Frank Hamrick) 1. Santa Claus – “a spiritual Santa Claus.” Explanation: You ask God for things you want. He has some “goody” for you. For example, you think, “I have been a’ good Christian boy’ and I deserve that. I’m going to ask God for that and He better give it to me.” You start making a “list” of things you want and its not always what God wants for you. 2. Rabbit's Foot – good luck charm kind of god. Very dependent on us. Explanation: This view is full of fear and self-dependency. For example, you may think, “I didn’t read my Bible today, so I guess God will have me do terrible on my test or game today.” You didn’t “rub” your good luck charm so everything is going to go bad today. 3. Aladdin’s Lamp – rub the lamp and God will appear. Explanation: When you want something special to happen you quickly send up a quick prayer that is self centered. For example, “God, if you allow me to get an A+ on this test I didn’t really have time to study for I will definitely serve you with my whole heart.” This is treating God like a genie. We only need him when there is a wish to be granted. 4. Jack in the Box – turn God's crank the right way and He will appear. Explanation: Man controls God. For Example, you turn God’s “crank” by reading your Bible, attending church, and being good and in return you think that will make you some spiritual, faithful servant of the Lord. You are very dependent on your own works to be accepted by God. This is done out of duty rather than pursuing a relationship. 5. Old Friend – used to be right with God, but now He is distant. Explanation: God has become “old news.” Not exciting anymore. For example, did you ever have a childhood friend that you did everything with? Now, several years later, you hardly have contact with that friend? Are you doing that with God? You use to be on fire for God, you use to be right with God, you use to be a servant, but now your relationship with God is “old news” and just kind of causal and laid back. No Zeal. 6. Man upstairs – remote and disinterested God. Explanation: God doesn’t care He’s just the “man of upstairs.” For example, you may say, “God is probably busy with someone else and does not have time for me.” Or “God is probably busy using someone else and He doesn’t really need me.” God for you is remote and disinterested. Kind of like a bitter parent. 7. Scrooge – taskmaster, hard boss to please, very demanding. No love. Explanation: No rewards and no delighting with God. For example, it’s easy to think, “God seems hard to please. He gives us all these commandments and they are hard to follow.” You look at God having a stern look. Christians who hold this view misunderstand their position in Christ. You are God’s child! Let that thought sink in. 8. Crutch – you "add" God to your life to only when you need him. Explanation: God is your “buddy” or “pal.” For example, in today’s world everyone wants to be accepted and well liked so they will do anything they can to become a “well-rounded” or “likable” person so they will “add” God or “faith” to their life to be able to relate with others. Then the next moment or group of friends they put God back in the closet and conform to their likes and dislike just to be accepted. How tragic! God is not your “crutch!” He should be your life and all. Rom 12:1-2. 9. State Trooper – always looking for something wrong. Explanation: God doesn’t forgive! For example, you may think, “God is a ‘getcha god.’ He is only concerned about the sin I commit. He never honors or blesses the righteous things I do.” You view God as non-relational and just there for punishment. In conclusion, are YOU viewing God properly and Biblically so you can direct others (friends, parents, your children) to the God of the Bible? Consider these quotes by A.W. Tozer: "A right conception of God is basic not only to systematic "The man [or woman] who comes to a right belief about |