Many people find it fun to take pictures of themselves or close-up photos with family and friends called “selfies.” But what if you could take a selfie with God? What would your picture look like if you could take a photo of you and God together?
You might think your selfie with God will look different depending on the situation. So once again take a minute to think back to one of your worst days. Then imagine taking a selfie with God in that situation. What would your picture look like? Think about this image.
At one time in my life, my selfie with God would have showed him sternly pointing to the next thing he wanted me to do. I’d be in the picture, but I’d be standing a few feet away, looking half-eager and half-tired, trying to obey.
When I’ve asked people to describe their selfie with God, here are some images they’ve described. Which mental picture do you relate to the most?
- God is not in the picture. I am standing there alone.
- God is far back in the background, far away from me.
- God is on his throne. I see steps between us, but they are broken.
- God has a stick in his hand, and I have a terrible look of fear on my face as I wait for him to punish me for a sin I just committed.
- God has his arms folded and a frustrated look on his face that says, “Why can’t you get it together?”
- God looks disappointed as both he and I are nervously looking down at the ground beside each other.
- God has his arm around me and I have my arm around him.
- God is on his throne and tears are running down my face as I kneel and worship him.
- God is giving me a big hug, and I’m hugging him back.
- God is mad at me, and I’m crying because I always mess up.
- God is faceless, and I’m emotionless.
Do you relate to one or more of those selfies? Keep that picture in mind as we see how your view of God may be shaped more by your family than you think.
(From the book, God’s Best-Kept Secret:Christianity Is Easier Than You Think, Mark Maulding, Pages 19-20)
