This book. This book is one of my
favorites. Through the use of simple prepositions, author Skye Jethani
brilliantly identifies four false, but common, ways of relating to God.
These four postures of relation are based on a temptation to
"control" God because of desire, fear, and present danger. These postures, as stated in the book, consist of living "under, over, for, and from" God. A person living "under" God plays the victim (a
puppet without any ownership, say, or responsibility-blaming God for circumstances). Someone living "over" God plays the mastermind (leaving God out of the
picture choosing to focus on correct ways of living/morality for ultimate
success). Another living "for" God plays the activist (trying to work
for God's affection, attention, and favor). Finally, someone living "from" God
plays the entitled (only acknowledging God's goodness due to physical/material
blessings from God). There is an element of truth in each of these ways
of relating to God, but each ultimately falls short when what is known or sought, in the
end, is not God.
By exposing these false ways of relating to God, Jethani challenges and
opens the heart and mind into a new way of relating to God- walking WITH Him.
Jethani invites the reader into a true relationship WITH God, the Father,
the Son, & the Holy Spirit- surrendering to Him, delighting in Him,
receiving His love & grace, moving in Him, sharing Him, loving others in
His power, knowing Him, holding hands with Him (okay, maybe I added this last
one :). In surrendering this life to Christ, fear, death, and sin are
replaced with assurance of eternal life with God, righteousness, and ultimate peace. Right now and at
the end of it all, I gain HIM (my Savior who gives the freedom to choose Him,
makes Himself present and known, who is loving & gracious no matter my works, failure, and effort, and who is all good no matter my circumstances or blessings). &
what an indescribable blessing it is to walk WITH HIM now into eternity- life
everlasting with the One who has captured my heart. I love You, Jesus.
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