April 17
The Problem: We Learned to See God Through Adult Eyes
As we grew older, we built up layers of understanding about God. Some came from our families, some from our churches, and others from our own wounds. These layers often distort the Father’s heart in ways that make childlike faith difficult.
Here are a few of the most common distortions adulthood creates:
The Father as a distant authority figure.
Someone to be respected more than enjoyed.
The Father as a strict evaluator.
Assessing our performance.
The Father as emotionally reserved.
Present but not warm.
The Father as conditionally loving.
As long as you behave.
These distortions do not originate from Jesus. Jesus came to reveal a Father who is close, gentle, attentive, joyful, loving, and safe—especially for children.
If the God you imagine is not a God that a child could run toward with joy, that image needs healing.
Becoming Childlike Again: Pages 14-15
As we grew older, we built up layers of understanding about God. Some came from our families, some from our churches, and others from our own wounds. These layers often distort the Father’s heart in ways that make childlike faith difficult.
Here are a few of the most common distortions adulthood creates:
The Father as a distant authority figure.
Someone to be respected more than enjoyed.
The Father as a strict evaluator.
Assessing our performance.
The Father as emotionally reserved.
Present but not warm.
The Father as conditionally loving.
As long as you behave.
These distortions do not originate from Jesus. Jesus came to reveal a Father who is close, gentle, attentive, joyful, loving, and safe—especially for children.
If the God you imagine is not a God that a child could run toward with joy, that image needs healing.
Becoming Childlike Again: Pages 14-15