I have sat in many churches, and heard many pastors give the message of good news. I have heard the gospel picked through into a wonderful message, and heard pastors teach their congregation how to pray. What I’ve never heard is a good explanation of God’s relationship to man. New Christians often say, “I don’t know how to pray..” so they don’t. Non-believers are left with an impression that God wants more than they can deliver. Truth is, God is as available as looking at your own family.
Of the three major religions Christianity is unique in several ways, but primarily it is because of relationship and that relationship can be seen in how each prays. In Islam the Shahada says, “There is no god but God. Muhammad is the messenger of God (“lā ʾilāha ʾillā llāh muḥammadun rasūlu llāh).” While it is true that there is no god but God, Islam sets God apart from man. It is a more servant/master relationship. For Judaism,”Blessed are You, LORD our God, King of the universe (Barukh ata Adonai Eloheinu, melekh ha`olam),” is also very true. God is indeed all these things, and Blessed He is! This however is still a God set apart from His creation. Only Christianity says, “Our Father who art in heaven.” What does that mean and why does it matter?
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
Genesis 5:1-2 This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.
These first verses of Scripture tell us clearly that we are all created in God’s image and likeness, which means God’s attributes are already inside each and every person whether they believe in him or not. If we want to understand how our relationship with God should be, we need to look no further than the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer, OUR FATHER. Father is not a word that sets apart, but one that guides a family in an intimate relationship. Essentially, the relationship you want with your children is the same relationship God wants with you! You may already know how your child’s day went, but you get joy in hearing them tell you about it. You love your child unconditionally, but yet you have to punish them sometimes. As the parent, you set the rules and expect your children to be obedient. God is no different.
Too many Christians “misread” their bible, and only take out the parts that apply to the life they wish to lead. They misuse scripture to make claims that are not biblically accurate, such as God loves everyone and is a forgiving God therefore he won’t send anyone to hell. How many parents have multiple children that are very obedient and good kids, yet have one that is always in trouble? Perhaps stealing from the family, or bringing drugs into the house, or something that is detrimental to the family unit? How does that parent handle it? Although the love of the child is unconditional, they are sent away from the family because the behavior is destructive. God is no different. A parent wants their children to trust in them, that their needs will be provided for. God is no different. A parent wants an emotionally intimate relationship with their children. God is no different. A parent wants their children to confess to bad behavior and ask for forgiveness, and with unconditional love they receive it. God is no different. In fact, God loves so unconditionally that unlike any other religion, he placed himself amongst us as a lowly servant. So unconditionally, that like any parent who wishes to take away their children’s suffering, took upon himself the sin of mankind. So unconditionally, that he gave his mortal life so that his children could live. Wouldn’t earthly parents do that?
God is not only the One, the Creator, the Sovereign, he is also the Father. Don’t know how to pray? Just start by telling him about your day. Tell him about your hopes and dreams, tell him about your fears. Tell him that you love him. Tell him that you made a mistake. Ask him for forgiveness. Tell him you now understand what he did for his creation as Jesus. Tell him you accept his love and salvation. Talk to him with the same relationship you want your children to talk with you. You are created in the likeness and image of God, therefore his existence is already displayed in your everyday life. All you need to do is acknowledge it.
Gods blessing be with you,
Troy
Troy P Zehnder 