Did you ever notice that when you first meet someone, you usually develop an immediate impression about them? They strike you in a certain way. Could be how they look at you, whether they smile or seem sincere, or whether they acknowledge you at all.
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Sometimes the impression is positive — you like them right away. Other times they might appear cold or insensitive or rude. You decide right then and there you don’t care for them.
First impressions are a natural tendency, but I have found on many occasions that you can’t trust them. There have been so many times I have encountered someone I quickly assessed as unfriendly, even snobbish. I know you’re not supposed to judge people, especially at first glance, but I couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable and negative about them. Then after talking and interacting with them over time, I realized I was completely wrong. They turned out to be engaging and kind folks — you just needed to get to know them better.
How we see God
Encountering God in your life can work the same way. You may initially see Him as a strict, angry authority figure who demands obedience and loyalty or He will punish you with eternal damnation. Many people feel this way, and it keeps them from committing to their faith. But to think in this manner is to not know Him well enough.
God’s first desire is for your eternal salvation and joy. After all, you are His creation. Why would He want to harm you?
The Lord’s nature is all about love, not discipline. According to my internet search engine, the Bible uses the word “love” 361 times; it uses “punishment” nine times. The more effort you spend in God’s Word, the better you will get to know Him.
You will learn He is not strict and unyielding. He is merciful and forgiving. Yes, He does want you to live a certain way, but that’s because He knows His way leads to genuine peace and security.
“The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Ex. 15:2).
EDITOR’S NOTE — Ken Lass is a retired Birmingham television news and sports anchor and an award-winning columnist for numerous publications and websites.
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