What God May Really Be Like – Misbeliefs About God

Which Flawed Candidate – Trump Or Clinton?

Maybe all presidential candidates in the past have been flawed, but they really seemed flawed this election. Many of us may prefer a different candidate, who defends issues important to them, without all the scandals involved. At least both candidates admit mistakes were made. Trump said he wishes he hadn’t said what he did about women in a conversation in 2005; Clinton says she wishes she hadn’t used a private server for government communications.

Trump claims what he got caught saying on tape was locker room talk. He admitted such talk was wrong but then he takes away from the sincerity of such an apology by referring to women’s looks, etc. It makes you wonder if he still engages in such talk about women though married. I can vote for a flawed candidate but I can’t vote for a candidate who still engages in such talk. The words Clinton often uses to apologize don’t work in my relationships.

I get why both don’t always come out and admit their every wrongdoing. Can you image if everything you have said and written was made public!

If Trump admits he touched a woman against their will, he would either have to pay a lot of money or be criminally charged. If Clinton admits she took risks with government secrets, she could be criminally charged. If only each candidate could be totally open about their wrongdoings and regrets. At least then we could ask about future actions and if willing to be held accountable to new standards.

One may argue if you believe both candidates are flawed, protest by not voting at all.

That is an individual decision. Some may vote for a flawed candidate because they believe a candidate’s polices are better for society as a whole against the other candidate. In this case not voting can be seen as a vote for the least desirable candidate.

I am not an expert on which policies are beneficial to our society as a whole. I would suggest two issues that may matter for our future. 

Do you believe certain national leaders are evil-bent? Are there certain leaders who would advocate violence toward others who don’t share their personal beliefs to stay in power? If you believe people are capable of such beliefs against basic human rights, it informs how you negotiate with those who possess nuclear weapons, etc.

Secondly, we must admit that some are better able to support their family because of advantages they had growing up that others didn’t no fault of their own.

In an ideal world the fortunate would use their favorable circumstances to help those who have had less favorable circumstances. Is money better in the hands of government though taxes to help the less fortunate or in the hands of those more fortunate who may be willing to take risk creating jobs, etc.? The human element can’t be avoided. How does each candidate propose handling the deficit to not kick our debt to the curb at the detriment of future generations?

What I do know is the success of our nation never depends upon one individual.  

Thankfully, we have checks and balances in government where one individual is not in total control. What can change the world is not the President but hundreds of millions collectively caring for the less fortunate. We have millions of people with good hearts, but we need millions more who strive to constantly go the extra mile with others in a broken world. Individuals must find someone or Someone who serves as a constant example and encouragement to love and respect others like we would want to be loved and respected if in their circumstances.

What Is The #1 Reason People Avoid Spiritual Discussions?

We are desperate for a world where people strive to be more spiritual-minded or loving. Most religious leaders define spirituality as loving others like you want to be loved. Christians may be surprised this was Jesus’ message as well along with how God could help us in such a journey, as opposed to believing certain supposed truths. Also, in a broken world we must consider how to love others who act unlovable or relationships may never heal. Unfortunately, such conversations never happen if we act like Jesus-freaks.

Okay! Some avoid spiritual discussions because they are only interested in pursuing a self-centered life. I doubt this is many of your friends.

The Bible is used to suggest all people who don’t believe in God are simply suppressing what they know to be true (Rm. 1:18-32). Actually, this passage refers to those who didn’t deny Israel’s God existed but turned to other gods to justify self-centered harmful behaviors. We must stop assuming those who question the reality of an invisible God are wicked and don’t know their feelings. Just call behaviors that violate the rights of others for what they are – immoral and destructive.

The main reason people avoid spiritual discussions is because they can smell a hidden agenda a mile away.

It simply is wrong to engage in friendships with others for the purpose of converting them to believe as you do without advising them upfront this is your agenda. Christians often believe others must have certain beliefs to be accepted by God. Jesus focused more on what God could do for us, not what we must do to be loved by God or else. Jesus spoke of the importance of true love or how else can the world change. Certain parents or bosses inspire because of who they are. God can be just as inspirational depending on what you believe about God. Just discuss how we can be more spiritual-minded when appropriate.

People avoid those who like to discuss spiritual matters not only because their intentions are to convert them but because many of their beliefs about God are unloving.

Spiritual people often suggest the Bible condemns homosexual love. Does a loving God really condemn committed love? Some suggest the Bible teaches if you don’t believe in God in this life you will burn in Hell forever. Is a loving God really a sadistic torturer? It is no wonder people don’t engage in spiritual discussions with those who have such beliefs about a supposedly loving God.

We have portrayed God as a Parent who has certain conditions to be loved and accepted.

We are reaping what we have sowed. We portray God as wanting to save people from hell rather than being a God who respects one’s freedom to consider how they might make for a better world. God knows what human parents know. Love is necessary but can’t be forced. Freedom is the only path to authentic relationships. “Controlling love” is a contradiction in terms. Who can blame others for avoiding  a God who thinks a relationship comes out of fear than inspiration.

How can we inspire others to pursue spiritual healthiness as much they might their physical or emotional health?

It should be obvious that we need to start acting like true friends act toward one another. We engage in relationships because we are interested in having friendships with others, both to love and be loved. I can no more ignore that I am a lover of God because of who I think God is any more than others can deny their passions. I enjoy discussing what a loving God may truly be like as much as one may want to discuss a great book they read. Spirituality or God may or may not come up naturally in conversations. When it does I am convinced such discussions can lead to a better world by how we treat others.

Getting To Heaven Doesn’t Depend On What Others Say You Must Believe!

There are reasons to think our future destination isn’t dependent on certain beliefs while a short time on earth. Don’t reject the pursuit of spirituality because of beliefs claimed supposedly necessary for God to accept us now or after we leave this earth. Whether one chooses to live in Heaven after death will depend on the conversation one has with their Creator at that time. I can’t prove that God or Heaven exist but it also takes faith to believe that “we live and we die.” I am convinced my belief in the possibility of a loving God isn’t wasting my time on earth.

Millions who sense there is an ultimate, superior Reality beyond themselves can agree what that loving God would be like. A tyrant God isn’t worth living for. Just ask those under the rule of an evil dictator here on earth. We all have a sense of what true love is in our relationships. My hunch is you believe we should treat others like we want to be treated. Because of this universal belief, one wonders if One created us for such a purpose. Might you be empowered if your Creator’s love is the same love we deep down desire to receive and show others consistently?

Heaven can’t depend on beliefs here on earth because we aren’t more perfect lovers than God. 

A loving parent’s love is never selfish and always guides for the best interest of their child. Even if your child rebels or rejects you, you never lose hope that your child will want a relationship someday. Do you really think you are a better lover than God? A loving God can’t all of a sudden stop being merciful and forgiving at the moment of one’s last breath here on earth. A God of a thousand chances here on earth is surely a God of second changes after death.

If Heaven depends on certain beliefs, Jesus would have responded differently when asked how to have eternal life.

Jesus only encouraged loving God and your neighbor (Lk.10:25-28). No one is going to Heaven if such actions are required according to God’s standards. Good works can’t be criteria for getting into Heaven or Jesus set us up to always worry if good enough and lied to the thief on the Cross. Jesus’ answer didn’t focus on the future but how to live life here on earth to avoid regrets. Jesus died convincing people life is too short to not focus on living a loving life. Such strivings in life despite failures stir hope for a future with God.

Why did Jesus encourage loving God? Jesus knew God is no different than a selfless, uncontrolling parent who we come to trust always has our best interest in mind. Such love provides comfort and security and inspires and empowers us to want to reflect such love onto others. Jesus knew loving God lead to loving others to the fullest. We mustn’t cherry pick verses such as Romans 6:23: “the wages of sin is death…” The Apostle Paul like Jesus was only warning unspiritual living leads to a wasted life here on earth.

One may argue if certain beliefs aren’t required for Heaven, people will do whatever the hell they want on earth.

We sometimes want to tell people what they better believe to scare the Hell out of them. God didn’t use fear in this way as if that inspires life worth living. Fear is only meant to deter from evil to avoid personal destruction and the destruction of others. But, changes of the heart come from knowing you are deeply loved by a parent or God empowering you to reflect such love back to others.

Yes, there is hope that you will be reunited with your loved ones despite their disinterest or rebellious against God. What if their rebellion is due to erroneous views of who God is? Yes, if you live life that leads to regrets you will have regrets when meeting your Creator. Jesus would encourage His views of God can only empower to be the person we deep down desire to be. We will fail but God will continually encourage in being the kind of person we deep down desire to be. Such a life can provide eternal hope.

God, Why Not Communicate Clearly To Unite More In Understanding You?

If God communicated more clearly what God’s views were on matters that divide people, it seems there would be less suffering in the world because of differences. Sincere, loving, spiritual people can believe so differently what God is really like. Division only leads to a waste in emotional and physical resources. Those who agree with what many churches are doing for the less fortunate may turn away because of certain understandings of God. Churches don’t unite to serve more effectively. What doesn’t God do a better job of communicating for a better world?

God’s overwhelming presence and direct communication in the Old Testament didn’t lead to the Israelites always acting on advice that turned out to be in their best interests.

God may have surmised that God’s continued overpowering presence in our lives could cause consuming guilt or obligation to obey. Obligatory choices don’t always lead to lasting change. Getting in the face of disobedient older children or showering them with gifts isn’t always best. Becoming more the lasting person we want to be may only happen when God interferes less and allows greater independence. God’s invisibility may be out of love than cruelness.

God penning the Bible to make matters clearer, rather than working through humans, may not lead to the results we think. Besides, people would disagree what God meant!

Some believe the Bible teaches hierarchical relationship in marriage, though in their defense they argue for servant-like leadership, while others believe the Bible teaches egalitarianism which seemingly leads to less possible abuse by men. Unnecessary leadership, even if loving, invites men in impasses to solve conflicts differently than through normal conflict resolution means between two friends. The Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, is accused of not being more emphatic that women are equal to men in God’s eyes. I don’t think Paul was purposefully vague, but Paul was looking to ignite change not a revolt. Do others make genuine changes by demanding rather than respecting certain freedoms?

Clarity doesn’t always lead to more loving actions.

This Post is much different than what I had written. I am convinced this topic is so important for many turn away from God because of misunderstandings. Why doesn’t God give me or others more clarity on this matter? God isn’t intentionally vague but ongoing conversations due to lack of clarity can create a healthy dependence on God. If I knew definitively why God doesn’t communicate more clearly, I am not sure I would be as gracious in my writings by encouraging others to come to their own convictions in the time right for them, as opposed to forcing my views on others.

God may be more of a communicator than believed though.

Most agree right from wrong such as lying, stealing, or murder. Most sense what true love is in relationships. Few disagree we shouldn’t treat others like we want to be treated. Because of this universal belief, one wonders if we were created for such a purpose. We many not always know what is best in relationship challenges, but more is clear than not. Hasn’t God communicated in our souls loving others is simply loving others in the same ways we deep down desire to be loved by others?

Let’s be honest! God writing on the clouds each morning may not lead to following advice clearly in our best interest. 

God communicating the way God does now, where certainty cannot be claimed, may better allow choices in our own time for genuine lasting changes. Many, many of the differences that divide because God doesn’t drop “words from heaven” are easily resolved if we respect the freedom of others as God does. When the rights of others are not being violated, attitudes that allow people to change freely for the better is “I may be right, I am be wrong, let’s do this journey together.” God isn’t hiding or why do so many know the difference from love and hate and good from evil. God has communicated enough and supposed certainty doesn’t always unite.

Does God Really Suggest Letting Enemies Or Betrayers Continue to Abuse Us?

Some are rightly confused about a relationship with God when the Bible is used to suggest actions that make no rational sense. Was Jesus, who represented God on earth, suggesting a woman should allow a man to continue to abuse here when advising: If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek… (Mt. 5:39). Was Jesus suggesting soldiers should never defend themselves when war is necessary to protect yourself? Jesus’ audiences perhaps only had hate in their heart and were unwilling to forgive no matter the circumstances.

Jesus didn’t turn the other cheek but often spoke out against others’ harmful actions. Jesus had plenty of enemies among the religious because they misrepresented who God really was. Jesus threw a few tables around in the temple when necessary. His words clearly were confrontational when they continue to lie that Gods’ love was no different than human love with conditions necessary to be accepted. Jesus was though willing to seek peace and forgive when appropriate, even under very difficult circumstances.

Evil sometimes can be overcome with good. It is human nature to demand an eye for an eye, but reputations that have been stolen for a time cannot be returned or childhood memories erased. Revenge may be the first thought that comes to mind but what if our betrayers show true remorse for their actions. There are times when it is appropriate to go the extra mile. Such actions can often lead one to reflect upon and change their harmful ways toward others. There may be times to not demand being treated as we want to be treated. Every circumstance can be different.

We must use our brains when it is important to protect ourselves physically or emotionally. The Bible is not a rules book but for reflection in deciding how a loving God might guide us in our personal situations. 

God would never ask one to not use common sense in difficult relationship situations. Seek the wisdom of others. Make the best current decision and have no regrets. God doesn’t want us always wondering if we did the right thing. God though would encourage us to allow our hearts to not always be consumed with revenge and hatred. Being a world changer is sometimes seeking God’s help in responding in supernatural ways when circumstances allow.

Being A God-Follower Doesn’t Have To Be Awkward For You Or Others!

I have stopped referring to myself as a Christian because the term is often associated with beliefs doubtful of a loving God. When an occasion calls for a prayer and no ministers are around, people look to me. This hasn’t always been the case because of past beliefs others knew I had about God. Might any of the following beliefs allow you and others to be more comfortable despite your faith? The church is not the only place to discuss being spiritual-minded or living life lovingly.

God-followers or Bible-believers think they need to use that abominable saying with gay people “I love you but hate your sin” because the Bible supposedly condemns such love.

How is committed love ever wrong in God’s eyes? Many aren’t as open with their spirituality because of certain views of God believed to be necessary despite what their hearts tell them. Biblical scholars, who believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible, don’t agree on interpretations of writings penned thousands of years ago. It is more important to not discourage others from living life more lovingly than supposing what God feels about someone.

God-followers don’t have to defend that Hell is a reality. 

We don’t know for sure what happens when meeting our Creator. The word Hell is a substitution for the Hebrew and Greek words Sheol and Gehenna. It is highly unlikely writers using such words had in mind a burning inferno where God torture people endlessly after death. Who doesn’t know unending suffering is pointless as it doesn’t produce any good! The traditional understanding of Hell is morally indefensible. Biblical interpretation must be plausible based on what a loving God would be like humanly speaking. You are free to never think or discuss Hell as part of your beliefs.

God-followers don’t have to have a hidden agenda to convert others to accept your personal beliefs.

Who doesn’t know it is wrong to have hidden agendas in relationships, and no one starts a relationship advising one they must accept certain beliefs to be accepted by God. We live in times where terrorists suppose a loving God insists in believing in their version or God or die. We don’t want our beliefs to look like such extremists. You do not have to worry about converting others but only to live life lovingly and inspire others to do likewise if interested.

God-followers don’t have to insist others must believe in God to be spiritual. The existence of God cannot be proven. This is an individual journey for all and between them and God if they truly exist. There are many rational reasons why one may find it hard to believe in an invisible God. Let’s not accuse those who believe in God as being irrational and those that don’t believe of being irrational. If it is a sin to doubt God exists, then Christians sin if they doubt God in troubled times. God never insisted in the Bible to believe in God or be doomed. The God of the Bible only opposed those who participated in horrific immoralities that endangered the lives of others.

Many avoid conversations with God-followers. Many people of faith struggle to find comfortable expressions of their faith because of supposed beliefs necessary in their faith.  

I am convinced one will be freer when they don’t feel compelled to convert others, when they don’t feel compelled to be associated with any beliefs they don’t believe are possible of a loving God. Simply live life lovingly if so inspired by the love you feel from your Creator. Encourage others in such a pursuit when such discussions are desired. It doesn’t have to be awkward or uncomfortable discussing with others how to treat one another like we want to be treated and how we can continually be inspired to live such a life.

What Is The Greatest Benefit In Being A Spiritual Person?

I am going to get personal. Many think the biggest reason to be a God-follower is to avoid going to hell. Nope! A loving God would never think that a genuine relationship is found through fear. I fail often but I am a better husband, father, and friend as being a God-follower continually inspires me to be the kind of person I deep down desire to be toward others. We all long for parents or a boss that on an emotional level we are absolutely convinced have our best interest in mind. The God I know has my attention!

My wife and I have been married a long time despite my failures. I often act like a best friend should, but I fail to speak my wife’s love language to many times to remember. I have raised my voice in anger from time to time, I have broken things in the past when angry, I have defended myself rather than listen. But, I have a desire to take responsibility for and confess wrongdoings than blame others for my actions. I am not convinced that I would engage in such unnatural behaviors as often if not inspired by my relationship with a loving God who accepts my flaws.

The greatest advantage of being a God-follower is knowing good enough isn’t enough.

Many in marriage can claim perhaps a 90% success rate. I am convinced many marriages don’t make it because one partner accepts only being good enough or not as bad as other partners they know. But, the goal of marriage or any relationship should be aiming for perfection. My God allows me to pursue perfection while not being paralyzed by guilt when failing. I have the “want to” to be perfect. That is on God!

My Mom favors one child over all five of her children. The favored child of course doesn’t man up to stop such behaviors. One child against another may be wrong. But, four children wrong raised by the same Mom as opposed to the favored child! Mom denies being untruthful but expects a normal relationship as if nothing has happened. My relational God provides insight that it is okay to keep your distance to protect your emotions, but revenge or bitterness only continues the victimization. I am open to forgiveness than resentment when wrongdoing is confessed because God has forgiven me countless times. That is on God!

I have hurt others in relationships, sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally. But, for some crazy reason I don’t struggle much to confess my wrongdoings and take the first step in hopes of healing. Readers know this is not always natural. I can only imagine that the reason I can suck up my pride at times is because of the relationship I have with my Creator who inspires thinking that being right isn’t always the most important factor in friendships.

I actually thought as a parent it was my job not to demand but earn respect.

I can only assume I got that from a Creator Parent who gives me the freedom to be who I am with the gifts I have, who loves me with no strings attached, and who though perfect seeks to win me over. Parents often struggle with their teenagers because they are continue to control when more appropriate to begin letting go for a child’s own good. I am the first to take action if my child hurts others. But, their pursuit of their interests may not be what I had in mind but I am on board.

I am simply saying that knowing how my Creator loves me, I am more inspired to reflect such love onto others. I may fail but I am going to die trying. That is on God!

My attitudes don’t always translate into actions but I cannot imagine the man I would be without God. I did not share the above to tell you what a good person I am or that I am a better person than others. The love I feel from my God is the love I had always desired from my parents. The biggest reason for being a God-follower is the continual inspiration and encouragement received in striving to be the kind of person who deep down desire to be.

My views of God have turned out to be the views I imagine would always be true of a loving God. Do yours?

Why It Matters That God Doesn’t Know The Future?

If one believes God knows the future, one may assume the future is determined. This can lead to frustration and passivity and makes God less relatable. A determined future contradicts that God created us with the freedom to make our own choices. God not being able to do the impossible, such as changing the past, forcing true love, or not knowing an underdetermined future doesn’t make God less powerful. God, unlike humans, doesn’t necessarily have to control to be in control.

The greatest freedom perhaps in believing God doesn’t know the future is realizing God isn’t failing to communicate. God supports us in being free to make decisions in an open future. 

Joy and good can be achieved by making decisions based on gifts, aspirations, and avoiding immoral paths. God isn’t withholding information for important decisions. God’s voice is always loud and clear – I love you; I forgive you; let’s see what happens; I want what you want deep down. We are free without strings attached that we often feel from parents who claim support in whatever we decide. God truly is open-minded and invites our participation to make for a better world.

A known future can lead to wondering if God is orchestrating all this evil and suffering as some grand scheme.

Neither Jesus nor the biblical writers claimed evil which leads to so much suffering was God’s desire or part of some divine plan. Evil is the result of current and future human free decisions. Not even an all-powerful God can create and guarantee life without death, violence, suffering, and struggle and yet there be free will necessary for genuine relationships. No human parent brings children into the world not desiring their children freely reciprocate their love as opposed to being forced. God and parents risk creating which can lead to great joy or great pain. One is not possible without the other. An open future clarifies that evil lies with the one making current decisions to perpetuate evil. Suffering in a free world is not caused by God.

A God who doesn’t knows the future is more relatable. God is not aloof as if simply gazing into situations God already was aware of. 

A known or set future doesn’t suggest one is truly free to choose otherwise. The Bible speaks often as if God doesn’t know the future. God hopes Israel would accept God’s guidance, but Israel often turned against God (i.e. Jer. 3:19-20). We don’t have to play mental gymnastics by assuming God is only pretending to not know future decisions When the Bible says God grieves with us in our suffering, we can know God agonizes with us each step of the way and deters any suffering possible without violating freedoms. God is not aloof as if simply gazing into situations God already was aware of.

Jesus predicted Peter would deny Christ not once but three times before it actually happened. Was Jesus simply peering into the future? Could Peter really resist? Why would Jesus pray Peter’s faith would succeed if failure inevitable (Luke 22:32)? Jesus’ prediction could have been a warning to Peter to prepare for upcoming faith challenges. A professor may observe a student and warn they will fail their class but hoping the student avoids such failure. Keep in mind the future is not totally unpredictable for humans much less God. A skilled physician can predict the death of a seemingly healthy individual because of symptoms that escaped the untrained eye. Remember, God is present everywhere, thus God’s knowledge is unimaginably extensive.

It speaks more to God’s character when they could control a situation but don’t out of uncontrolling love and freedom.

God can’t make someone truly love others and not harm others, but God can fulfill their promise of justice for victims after death. If God can create, God can fulfill a promise to provide eternal life for those who desire to be with their Creator. In the meantime God seeks to partner with us to make for a better world.

Isn’t True Religion Being Non-Religious?

The word religion doesn’t always produce positive thoughts in the minds of those who hear the word. If I replace the word religion with spirituality, negative connotations often don’t come to mind. True religion should inspire positive thoughts similar to true spirituality. I define true religion as loving others like you want to be love in good and difficult times. For this discussion my definition will include a belief in a Reality beyond us that seeks to inspire such love.

True religion doesn’t insist on any beliefs other than the Law of Love – love others like you want to be loved for a better world. 

In a trouble world this means long lasting change can only be achieved when religion seeks to serve and not be served. Most seem to have the same internal compass that helps to discern love from hate. We know religious extremists and terrorists are wrong because a loving God would not demand certain personal beliefs or be ostracized or beheaded. Those not in search for power and control know that true love cannot be forced.

True religion doesn’t claim to be the only religion or path to God. The majority of people born into this world never have heard of the God written about in the Bible. The truth is that the majority of people accept or rebel against a certain religion based on the family born into whether it be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. Suggesting a loving God insists one can only come to God through Jesus is to ignore the realities of our world.

True religion doesn’t insist on a set of beliefs found only in a Book not available to the majority of those born into this world. Besides, much of the Bible is subject to interpretations which obviously are not infallible. Scholars who believe in the trustworthiness of the Bible differ in their interpretations on matters concerning their faith. The reality is much of reading the Bible is discerning spiritual truths applicable to our circumstances. Claiming the Bible is inerrant doesn’t do away with that process.

True religion isn’t dogmatic if the rights of others aren’t being violated. True religion focuses on commonalities, not differences.

Discussions to prove than share one’s viewpoint is anti-religion. I may be right, you may be right, we may both be wrong! Many spiritual minded people assume they need to convert their friends to their beliefs in order to be accepted by God. Such beliefs communicate that God doesn’t accept them unless they come to share your personal beliefs. True, religious people don’t seek to convert but to encourage one another as they strive to love others as themselves.

True religion doesn’t have to call itself a name which simply distinguishes outsiders from insiders. Groups with doctrines or creeds suggest one must accept their beliefs eventually to be accepted. It shouldn’t have to be stated but true religion’s only identification are those who strive to encourage one another in loving and caring for others which can be messy and complicated.

True religion seeks to inspire others that unselfish love leads to personal freedom. For those who believe there is a God, we only want others to know God loves and hopes to empower us to reflect such love back to others. I am convinced when we know God the way Jesus knew God, we will sense God’s love and support in good and troubled times and pursue a life that doesn’t lead to regrets while here on earth.

God’s love is the love you always imagine would be true of a loving God. God’s love is the love we deep down desire to show others consistently.

How Can I “Easily” Become More The Person I Want To Be?

If you are like me, you want to know the quick and easy version how to become a better person. I want to lose weight but I need to know how to do it quickly while not changing my eating habits. Those who have a regular exercise routine and keep their binges under control would tell you it is simple, just do it! I admit I am bias toward how easy it is to become a more spiritual person, which by that I mean being more the person you deep down desire to be toward others. Most want for their legacy to be “they lived life lovingly.”

The good news is that accomplishing spiritual goals may be easier than physical goals.

We all want to be more of a positive influence on our children, friends, and co-workers. We better accomplish that when we have sources of inspiration. Mother Theresa once said that she was simply responding to God’s boundless love for her and for all of humanity. When one feels extraordinarily loved they want to reflect that love onto others. We need all the human and divine inspiration we can get, but our beliefs about God and others matters if we are going to be moved.

God can only inspire if inspirational. 

If your view of your Creator is one who demands than seeks to earn respect, if you view God as more angry than loving, if you view God as a sexist or homophobe – which you know isn’t loving – one is hardly motivated to reflect that kind of love onto others. You are going to have to do some thinking about your views of God, which is a lot easier than pushing back from wings, fries, and beer. I naturally love to read theology and then write about it.

Parents and employers can inspire. Divine inspiration can come depending on what you think God is really like. Because of how I think God feels toward me, I like being over-sensitive whether my words encourage or discourage others. I like when I have mistreated others that I have more of a desire to take responsibility for and confess wrongdoings then blame others for my actions. I like that I am more open to forgiveness than revenge when one confesses wrongdoing. I am not the person I wish I was, but you should see me without God. 

Are your views of God inspiring or uninspiring in being more the person you desire to be? 

Consider whether if reading, talking to others, or simply reflecting on God by reading spiritual blog like this one can help     What if you discovered that God’s love is the love you always imagine would be true of a loving God, that God’s love is the love you deep down desire to show others consistently. You don’t have to overdo it, just start somewhere. No, it doesn’t have to be in church. Be purposeful in finding those who like to encourage and be encouraged to strive to be more the person you desire to be.