Have you ever wondered what a relationship with God is supposed to look like? What is our responsibility, what is his, and what do we do together? The teachings and scriptures I’ve been hearing lately have been driving home that I’ve been overstepping. I’m rushing in to do God’s part. You know the term: micromanaging? Let’s define that.
: to manage especially with excessive control or attention to small matters that is not wanted or causes problems
Merriam-Webster.com
We get it wrong by thinking we need to manage God in the first place. We don’t hire God to work for us. But we shouldn’t think the opposite is true, God is not hiring us to work for him. Our relationship is familial. Let’s look at scripture.
John 1:12 NLT
[12] But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.
And here:
1 John 3:1 TPT
[1] Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that he has lavished on us! He has called us and made us his very own beloved children. The reason the world doesn’t recognize who we are is that they didn’t recognize him.
So our first responsibility is to believe and accept that Jesus is who he says he is – God’s son, sent by the Father.
There are two scriptures from Sunday’s sermon that help me understand what God does and what I shouldn’t try to do.
Philippians 1:6 ESV
[6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.1.6.ESV
It is God who begins the work, and it is God who finishes the work.
Galatians 3:2-4 MSG
[2-4] Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!
This is a harsh wakeup call. But something I needed to hear. Before I wrap this up there are two points I want to make, having to do with the Mine & Ours part. That is the importance of the Holy Spirit and the Word.
John 14:26 NIV
[26] But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.14.26.NIV
As Christians we are led by the Spirit (see also Romans 8:14), and shaped by the Word (see also James 4:41).
II Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
https://bible.com/bible/114/2ti.3.16-17.NKJV
The Bible is clear about our responsibility.
James 1:22 ERV
[22] Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves.
https://bible.com/bible/406/jas.1.22.ERV
I hope my blog posts have been helpful. I’ve been struggling to write my next novel and have decided to take a break for a season. I may jump in on occasion if I have an overwhelming urge to share. I promise to come back to this, because for me this blog is a calling on my life, to shine light into the darkness.
Grace & Peace,
Sandy