At times I find myself shaking my head in disbelief at the idea that the Creator of ALL things wants to be my friend. How ridiculous, how arrogant that might sound! That, however, does not change that fact of it. So I continue to shake my head, but instead of disbelief, I do so in awe and wonder!
Our Creator took the initiative to mend the relationship we humans broke after He formed us in His image. Why did He care? He cares precisely because we are made in His image. We are the closest to the nature of the Creator out of all that exists.
From Wonder to Questions
I have a lot of unanswered questions. Or maybe it is better stated, my mind is not able to understand what our Creator thinks much of the time. As Walt Kaiser, my favorite Old Testament professor says: I’ll be in that class in Heaven to ask those questions and get answers. Until then, I am content to grow in relationship with our Creator. Arrogance? Since the Creator is the one taking the initiative I want to receive and participate to my fullest ability. It is all grace: unearned favor and blessings. Count me in!
We’ve all had good, and not so good, relationships during our lives. Friends come and go. We grow in relationships through communication, especially talking. We spend time with others to get to know them.
Questions Lead to Dialogue
In my personal experience, study of the Bible and observation of brothers and sisters more mature in the faith, I find this back and forth, genuine relationship with our Creator most often expressed through prayer. Talking with God.
We often refer to the Bible as “The Word of God” and there are lots of classes in theological schools and in heaven to explain and clarify how that works. I have taken a few of them already. The Word is our clearest guide of the Creator speaking to us. Sort of like a cairn on a trail, but so much better.
As we interact with the Word praying about our life experiences we dialogue and grow in relationship. The more we do this, the better friends we become.
Dialogue to Gratitude
As our relationship grows, I continue to shake my head in Awe and in gratitude for the fact that God took the initiative to make me a friend, even a member of the eternal family of God.
What are you reflections on being a friend of God?
