God is not a thug

I recently shared with someone how I grasped the operation of the kingdom of God. It wasn't how you might think.

I led a pretty rough life before I met Jesus. I made some stupid choices and hung out with others who'd done the same.

Some of these people were known for their choices. They had authority in certain neighborhoods because of their reputation, and they enforced it with threats and violence.

I was not known by most people. However, because I was known by one or two who were, I had access to their authority by association.

I was able to walk freely in places I wouldn't otherwise. If there was a question, using their name granted me access others didn't have. I relied on their reputation, not mine.

So when I learned about the kingdom of God and prayer and using authority, it made perfect sense to me. God owned the world, and I belonged to him. I could go anywhere, doing business in his name.

Yet, God has a way of turning things on their head. He let me use this analogy up to a point. But there came a time when I had to look at it a bit closer.

Yes, I can operate in God's authority. But my Father's character is radically different from those who maintained authority through fear, manipulation, and control, not hesitating to turn those same methods on their own.

I'll never forget the look on my Father's face as he allowed me to face the fear I had of him. It wasn't respect - I was waiting for him to turn on me.

Worse, I had counted it as the cost to pay for his love and protection.

It's dangerous to put our view of God in a box, refusing to see other possibilities. My experiences caused me see God as not just powerful, but also coercive; loving, but also untrustworthy.

I had to allow him to open my eyes to a bigger picture.

Truly getting to know the Father has been the most joyful experience of my life. The safety I feel in our relationship outweighs anything of the past, completely untainted by fear and intimidation.

In that freedom, I operate in his authority in a new way. Since I'm not driven by fear, I don't drive others with fear. I'm no longer waiting for God to turn on me, so I don't threaten to withdraw my affection or protection, either.

And because I've learned God's character, I can face any spiritual battle with absolute confidence, knowing who it is that's got my back.

That's worth the cost of examining your perceptions of God, don't you think?