Once you get to know Him…
In the movies and also in real life, there is a phenomenon where you might think a guy is a jerk/mean/etc., but then you learn more about him and see a different side. (A recent example for me was the Woody Harrelson movie “Wilson.”) Although I think the sentiment is often used in an annoying way to cover up for somebody who really is a jerk, you might hear something like, “Oh I understand why people hate him, but once you get to know him like I do, you’d learn he’s really generous and would do anything for his friends…”
It occurred to me that this is the position Christians are in with respect to the God of the Bible. Sure, in the beginning of the story, He’s doing “crazy” things like flooding the whole world out of anger. But then later you see that He’s willing to send His only Son to be tortured to death, in order to save the people He loves.
And in their own lives, Christians would attest that God has done incredible acts of love and mercy and faithfulness. In my own life, things that originally seemed to be gross injustices were actually–I now realize–necessary for my development. The only things in my past I’d want to change were my own failings, not the bad things that “God allowed to happen to me.”
I realize this will likely not count for much for readers who think we’re talking about a fictitious being, but I’ll say it for the record: You would love and trust the God of the Bible if you knew Him like I do.
It’s what I try to keep telling you about DeLong!
I still resent deLong sending those 7 plagues.
Well expressed, Bob. Thanks for sharing this thought.
Agreed. In common culture, pain and trouble is to be avoided at all costs. However the positive role of trials, suffering, and or failure in personal development is most advanced in Christian thinking. As an older person, I can see that my earlier woes became the foundation for later success or growth. I readily understand the parallel in God’s dealing with mankind.
Very nice, Bob.