Rediscovering the Heart of Faith and Christian Living
Have you ever seen a building go up without a solid foundation? Maybe you’ve watched a house being built, or you’ve seen photos of crumbling structures where the base was weak. Without a strong foundation, the whole building is at risk. In the same way, our understanding—the very c idea—of who God is forms the foundation of our faith and every part of Christian living. Let’s reflect together on why getting this right makes all the difference.
The Core of Worship and Theology
Theology might sound like a big word, but it simply means “.the study of the nature of God and religious belief.” At its heart, it’s about knowing Him. How we picture God shapes not just what we believe, but how we pray, worship, and live day to day. If we see God as distant, we’ll struggle to trust Him. If we see Him as loving and powerful, we’ll turn to Him for hope and guidance. Our faith and daily choices grow out of this basic view—like roots drawing life from the soil.
The Danger of Misguided Conceptions
But what happens if our understanding of God is off? Think of a compass that’s just a few degrees wrong—it might not seem like much, but over time, you’ll end up far from your true destination. If we imagine God as harsh, uncaring, or simply a bigger version of ourselves, we risk losing sight of His true nature. This can lead to fear, pride, or even giving up on faith altogether. Misconceptions don’t just stay in our heads—they shape our hearts and lives.
Knowing God: The Central Questions
So what are the big questions we need to ask? First, does God exist? If so, what is He like? Is He distant or near, angry or loving, weak or all-powerful? How does He feel about us? And most importantly—how should we respond to Him? These aren’t just questions for pastors or theologians. They’re the questions every Christian needs to ask. The Bible tells us God is holy, loving, just, and merciful. He is greater than we can imagine, yet He cares deeply for each of us.
Love: The Command and the Key
When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He didn’t hesitate: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” Loving God isn’t just one rule among many—it’s the heartbeat of the Christian life. But how can we love someone we don’t truly know? The better we understand God’s character—His goodness, faithfulness, and majesty—the more naturally our love grows. True theology leads to love, not just knowledge.
The Consequences of the Right Conception
When our view of God is clear and true, everything changes. Our worship becomes heartfelt and joyful. Our prayers are honest, trusting that God hears and cares. We find courage to obey, knowing He is wise and good. On the other hand, if we hold to false ideas, our faith can become weak, cold, or even harmful to ourselves and others. The right conception of God frees us from fear, pride, and confusion, and fills us with peace, hope, and a sense of purpose.
A Call to Rediscover the Majesty of God
In our busy world, it’s easy to let our view of God shrink to fit our own thoughts or feelings. But God invites us to return—to open our Bibles, to pray, and to worship with open hearts. Let’s seek to know Him as He really is, not just as we imagine Him. Rediscovering God’s majesty brings awe, humility, and a joy that nothing else can match.
The Lifelong Duty: Loving and Honoring God
Knowing God isn’t a one-time event. It’s a journey that lasts a lifetime. Every day, we have the opportunity to learn more about His love, His wisdom, and His greatness. And as we do, our calling is simple: to love Him with everything we are, and to honor Him in all we do. This is our highest privilege and our deepest duty.
Conclusion: The Cornerstone for a Steadfast Faith
At the end of the day, the right conception of God is more than just an idea—it’s the cornerstone on which our faith stands. When we know Him truly, our lives are anchored, our hearts are filled, and our steps are guided by love and reverence. Let’s commit ourselves to seeking, loving, and honoring God—not just with our words, but with our whole lives. In doing so, we’ll find a foundation that lasts, come what may.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 