Let God Be God

When I think of idolatry I usually think of some sort of sculpture that represents a deity.  After that, I think of something that is worshiped as a deity - even it there is not statue (like money, for example.)

There is another common form of idolatry that I am calling "managing God."

In this form of idolatry we sinful creatures decide that we have higher standards than the God Who has revealed Himself in the Bible.  This is usually right after we read something in the Bible that we don't understand or don't like.  People say things like:

• "This can't be right."  
• "I could never believe in a god who would..."  

Then we invent a god who measures up to our standards.  No matter how sincere or cynical the inventor might be, the invented god is an idol.  The God of the Bible is infinite.  If your god can be comprehended (completely understood) by your finite mind, he/she/it is not the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible is holy.  If you think that you have a better idea about how things SHOULD be than those God has revealed in the Bible, you believe you are more holy than God. 

We are troubled by perplexing questions.  Why did an omnipotent and omniscient God allow sin at all?  How can a loving God send people to an eternal hell?  Why would a holy God save ANY sinners?  Why wouldn't an omnipotent and loving God save ALL sinners?

The list of questions is endless.  The answers are not provided.  God only tells us what He wants us to know - He is omnipotent, omniscient, loving, holy, just, merciful and gracious.  But He doesn't tell us how all of these things fit together, other than to say that He "works all things according to the counsel of His will," (Ephesians 1:11)

To believe in the God revealed in the Bible requires faith. 

• Faith that God is omnipotent - that He can do whatever He determines ought to be done.
• Faith that God is holy - that He is infinitely good and does what ought to be done.
• Faith that God is just - that He does those things that ultimately satisfy His holiness.

God is God.  We are but creatures - corrupted by sin and devolved by sin's effects on creation.  We are called upon to TRUST God to be God - and give Him our unconditional praise, glory and gratitude.

Let God Be God!

(Hebrews 11:6 NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.