What comes into your mind when you think about God?

Let us live life “without murmuring and arguing, so that we may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, that we may shine like stars in the world.” Philippians 1:15

Can you make a difference “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation?” A recent poll revealed that 72% of Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. If we answer the question based on the poll, then the answer might be no. We can easily become discouraged and feel hopeless trying to make a difference in moving the moral compass.

William Wilberforce probably felt the same way as he battled the beastly horrors of the slave trade industry. Mother Teresa probably felt the same way as she walked the filthy streets of Calcutta caring for the outcasts of society. Missionary Lottie Moon probably felt the same way as she sought to show the love of Jesus in her adopted country of China. Billy Graham probably felt the same way as he stood inviting those to come who wanted to know the freedom that Jesus offered.

A.W. Tozer asked a previous generation a penetrating question that I find still relevant today. Tozer wrote, “were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to the question, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” We might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man. Were we able to know exactly what our most influential religious leaders think of God today, we might be able with some precision to foretell where the church will stand tomorrow.”

“What comes into your mind when you think about God?” This question helps define the reality of how to make a difference in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Jesus said in Matthew, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart comes evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.” (15:18-19)

Unfortunately, we see the results of Jesus’ words in our culture today. Followers of Jesus seek to impact the world’s culture. How you answer the question helps determine the impact you have on others. Jesus’ words are powerful and true.  In our daily lives, life actions could be life-giving instead of life-taking if time had been taken to answer this simple yet profound question “What comes into your mind when you think about God?”

God your deeds are extraordinary! Who is a protector besides our God? God the deliverer. The great, mighty, and awesome God. He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Sanctified by God’s word and by prayer. For nothing will be impossible with God. I thirst for God. God is our defender forever. For the LORD is a great God. God reigns over the nations. Confidence in God. Be imitators of God. (various scripture verses)

How we answer the question defines much of the course of our spiritual life as well as our natural life. It is heartbreaking when many answers that God is irrelevant or non-existent. How could a good God let this happen? If God is real, why doesn’t He answer my prayers?

Satan has been planting seeds of doubt since the beginning of time. In the book of Job, we read how Job was slandered by the accusation that Job’s thoughts about God were for what he could get for himself.  Satan even challenges God when he says, “Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” (Job 1: 10) Satan goes to confront God and that if He would only, “stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has,” then the reaction of Job about God will be “he will curse you to your face.” (1:11)

However, Job didn’t curse God since he had spent time through the years thinking about God. He didn’t particularly like what was happening to him in life but “in all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.” –Job1:22

What comes to mind when we think about God? The answer will come from what we have allowed being planted in our hearts and souls. “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” –Psalm 1:1-3

Farmers and gardeners work in the blazing sun planting seeds. At the end of the day when they look out over the cultivated field it might feel like the day was wasted with nothing to show for the hard work. Yet the seeds planted will eventually sprout into a bountiful harvest. The same will be for you as you spend time thinking through your answer to the question.

Peter planted seeds knowing that God is Savior with the declaration, “The Messiah of God.” (Luke 9:18).

Paul planted seeds that revealed the weakness of any culture “for the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”—I Corinthians 1:18

John planted seeds knowing, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. I John 4:16

James planted seeds resulting in, “every act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights”—James 1:17

I planted these life-defining seed verses:  God is merciful and gracious…abounding in steadfast love, –Psalm 86:15 Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me—Psalm 69:6 Let those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great.” –Psalm 70:4 Love the LORD God with all of heart, soul, mind—Matt 22:36-40 The LORD is in your midst…singing over you Zeph 3:17

“From the beginning, God’s desire was that we would exist in an everlasting relationship with him. Sin gets in the way of that relationship, especially laziness that sidelines praise and prayer. May we never be too busy for both.” –Brennan Manning

How will you answer, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” What seeds are you planting to help you think about God?

Father, I confess my often-lazy attitude of being with you, letting sin harbor thoughts that prevent fellowship with you. Restore the joy of prayer and praise that will permeate every fiber of my heart, mind and soul for you that I may shine like stars in the world.

God is great,