RPM, Volume 10, Volume 11, Number 29, July 19 to July 25 2009

Who's your God?




By Jim Williams



Editor's Note: We all have thoughts — some good - some bad, but nonetheless they are thoughts. Our thoughts should be reflected upon and dealt with biblically (Rom. 12:1-3; Gal. 6:3; Phil. 3:12-17; Phil. 4:8-9; 2 Pet. 3:1, etc.). ‘Just Thinkin Out Loud' (spelling of ‘thinkin'' is purposeful) is a series of thoughts that are being made public. You may or may not agree with all of the thoughts you read in this series, but it will help all of us to discuss them — out loud. The hope of the author and editors at IIIM is that this will assist all of us to begin personal reflection upon our own thoughts and compare them with God's perspective in Holy Scripture. Readers are encouraged to use small discussion groups and/or our RPM forum for any irenic discussion(s) of these specific thoughts and others they may bring about.
When the Beatle John Lennon made his comment "We're more popular than Jesus," he was not making a comment of self-regard. But his comment was taken that way. He later explained that he had no delusion of that sort. But rather, the adoration he saw showered on the Beatles far outshone any regard he saw shone to any deity.

John Lennon observed a level of devotion in churches he visited, but it never compared to the screaming and clamoring which were constantly thrown at the Beatles. Isn't that an interesting comment that shows believers how they rate in their adoration of their God? Here was an outsider to the faith saying that he felt as if he and his fellow band members enjoyed a devotion from their fans he never saw given to God by his worshippers. It was not just the screaming, either. It was the constant clamoring for more of what they offered.

Take this to our current situation. To a person who is not the least bit interested in the type of relationship we have with our God, what do we do that would make them interested? What turns them off? Who do we show them to be our God, or our god? What do we really worship when we are not in a worship service? The possession of nice, expensive stuff is not a sin, necessarily. The main thing that can mark the difference there is does the stuff own us? If we can lose the stuff and recognize that everything we have is expendable, and that people always matter more, then maybe we can have it after all.

Tell me what you think, I'm just thinkin out loud!



This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

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