Our understanding of God shapes everything about how we view ourselves, others, and the world. If our image of God is fear-based or punitive, it diminishes us and our capacity to live freely and compassionately. Early authority figures often influence our image of God, but without intentional spiritual work, this remains a projection of childhood experiences. For many, this immature image leads to rejection of faith altogether. A mature understanding of God, rooted in reason, faith, and authentic spiritual experience, transforms us into mature, compassionate people. A mature God creates mature people. A big God creates big people. A punitive God creates punitive people. For Christians, the Trinity invites us into an eternal relationship of love. This dynamic, life-giving view challenges narrow, harmful ideas of God and opens us to a fuller, more loving reality.
May we grow in the image of a mature, loving God,
becoming instruments of compassion and wholeness in the world.
(inspired by Richard Rohr, Yes, And...; Creating God in Our Own Image)
So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely, we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding. Hebrews 6:1-3 (NLT)