
In our lives, it's possible to develop an unhealthy relationship with God where we view Him merely as a provider of our personal needs. This approach is what I call Life From God. It is characterized by a self-centered understanding of faith. Here are some common unhealthy ways people relate to God:
God Exists to Supply All My Personal Needs:
In this mindset, God is perceived primarily as a benefactor who is there to cater to our every wish and desire. We may see Him as a divine supplier, ready to grant us whatever we ask for as if His sole purpose is to tend to our needs.
I Look at God in a Way That I Want to See Him, Not as He Really Is:
Rather than seeking to understand God as He truly is, we shape our perception of Him based on our desires and preferences. This can manifest in two key ways:
God as a Superhero:Â We think God is a superhero who saves us whenever we want Him to, regardless of our actions or intentions.
God as Permissive:Â Alternatively, think God allows me to do whatever I want, and will forgive me or ignore what I do, if He does not agree.
My Friends Support My Beliefs About God and Tell Me I Am Correct:
We often surround ourselves with friends who validate our beliefs, creating an echo chamber where our ideas remain unchallenged. This can reinforce unhealthy views of God and our relationship with Him.
If My Friends or God Does Not Give Me What I Want When I Want It, I Switch Friends or My God:
When our expectations are not met—whether by friends or by God—we may be quick to change our social circle or our perception of God to better align with our desires.
I Am in Control, Not God:
Ultimately, these unhealthy patterns reflect a desire for control. We want to dictate the terms of our relationship with God, rather than surrendering to His will and wisdom.
Ways that this happens:
These unhealthy ways of relating to God manifest in various behaviors:
Constantly Asking God for Things Without Considering His Desires:
We may find ourselves in a cycle of constantly asking God for things without considering what He may want from us in return. This one-sided relationship is highlighted in Mark 8:36, which asks, "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and then lose his own soul?"
Creating a World Centered Around Ourselves:
When we focus solely on our desires and needs, we create a world where we are at the center, and God is relegated to a supporting role. This self-centered approach distorts our understanding of God's true nature and our relationship with Him.
Assuming God Approves What We Approve and Hates What We Hate:
We often project our preferences onto God, assuming that He shares our likes and dislikes. This can lead to a skewed view of His character and teachings, as we shape our understanding of God based on our own opinions.
Prioritizing Gifts and Attention Over God:
The blessings and attention we receive can sometimes become more important to us than our relationship with God Himself. This misalignment of priorities can distance us from a genuine connection with Him.
Examples of Life From God:
Here are some examples that I have seen often that illustrate these unhealthy ways of relating to God:
I think all people should _____, so I assume God thinks the same thing:
We often assume that God shares our personal opinions. For instance, if we like tattoos, we may believe that God likes them too. Conversely, if we think tattoos are sinful, we may assume that God hates them as well. This tendency to start with our own opinions and expect God to support them can lead to a distorted view of His true nature.
The prodigal son took everything he could from his father and then left to waste it
on non-important things:
The story of the prodigal son is a powerful example of an unhealthy relationship with a parent, which can parallel our relationship with God. The prodigal son took everything he could from his father and left to waste it on non-important things. Eventually, he realized his mistake and repented of his sin, seeking forgiveness and restoration.
In conclusion, it is essential to recognize these unhealthy patterns in our relationship with God and strive to move towards a more balanced, genuine connection. In the next blog, I will cover the last unhealthy way of relating to God. If you feel you or your mission journey may be struggling as a result of an unhealthy way of relating to God, contact me to find out how I can help you to relate to God in a way that will help you succeed in your missions journey.
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