A custom-made god
We can see how behaviors that were once considered sinful and/or embarrassing are becoming common and are practiced without any decorum. Even worse, many of those who practice such things consider themselves religious and understand that they have the support of their god in their behavior. They think that a god who does not accept their behavior cannot be a real god because a loving god would not tell them that what they do is wrong. So they define for themselves a permissible god. In other words, they create a custom-made god.
Something similar happens in the relationship between parents and children. There are times when children perceive that everything their parents do or say is wrong (the advice, limits, rules, etc.). If the children could they would change their parents to make them according to their wishes, for they think “how is it possible that our parents say they love us and do not allow us to do everything we want?” Imagine parents who do not have any rules for their children: they can eat whatever they want, return home at any hour they want, talk without respect to others, treat others as they wish, no school responsibilities, no chores, etc. If this were possible it would be total chaos and the result would probably be children that become irresponsible adults. What children perceive as excessive control is absolutely necessary for the formation of their personality. The people that these children would like to change now are the same people that in the future they will be giving thanks for raising them the right way. Fortunately, during this process of confusion parents do not relinquish their responsibility because they know that their children do not yet understand the importance of this process.
The same way children eventually realize the wisdom of the advice of their parents and the importance of limits, there will come a time in your life when you will look back and see the results of following your god. If it was a custom-made god you might find out when it’s too late.
God cares for us the same way that parents care about the future of their children. He knows that we are as young children that do not understand that He cares for us. So as a responsible father He does not give up on us and remains firm in his advice, rules and limitations, because He knows that even if we do not like or do not understand them, they are necessary for our spiritual formation. Failure to do so would jeopardize our destination for eternal life.
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. – Hebrews 12:6
How do we know that the God who gives us his advice and enforces its decrees is the true God? There is no way of knowing except through experience. And no, you don’t have to die to be able to experience God. Yes, the process begins by faith (in Jesus – John 3:16), but you will experience him as you get closer to Him (through prayer and reading his word). No, it is not easy to read in the Bible that something you like to do appear on a list of things that are displeasing to God. But I tell you that once you have the first experience of His power working in your life in difficult times, or its clear and unequivocal guidance in times of decision, or His healing power in times of illness, that will be the time when you will understand His love for you, that He is the true God, and all that He asks of you is for your own good.
God does not always give me the answer I hoped for in my prayers. Even at times he allows me to go through difficult times. Sometimes I do not get the miracle I expected. But I know that my God is real and I can feel His unmistakable presence in my life. That is my experience and nobody can take it away from me. This can also be your experience.
Put aside the deception of a custom-made god. No matter how hard you try you will never be able to make that god a reality in your life. Give yourself a chance and let the true God become a reality in your life.
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