Nowadays, being your own person is the goal of every person. Gone are the days of conformity, and here is the era of self-belief and identity. Even our belief systems are changing in big ways—believing even in our own version of God.
One-third of Americans, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center of more than 4,700 individuals in the United States, said they do not believe in God as described in the Bible. However, these same people do believe in the existence of a greater power or spiritual force. Some 56% of the US population reports having faith in God “as described in the Bible.”
Therefore, we can conclude that while the other 44% do believe in God, they believe in their own version that’s quite different from the Biblical God. Here’s why that might be alright.
God is within us.
Having your own version of God that’s different from how the Bible describes Him is not a sin in itself, and not a heavy strike that merits an axing of your salvation. God is within us, after all.
Nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst. (Luke 17:21)
There’s no requirement for elaborate rituals or superior spiritual credentials. We join Jesus’ kingdom, or his family when we place our faith in him. Within us lies His presence, strength, and tranquility. What a wonderful present God offers us when he sends his Son to establish his kingdom on earth. Let’s go further into what the Bible says about God’s glorious kingdom.
There are times when we feel like it’s an uphill battle to discover God, witness His handiwork, and sense His presence. Many of us who call ourselves Christians spend a lot of time looking for that one thing—that one literature, sermon, narrative, or devotional will finally get us there. Finding that one thing that makes us feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves may be an exhausting, time-consuming, and emotionally trying endeavor.
Is it possible that this quest may end up being a diversion? Perhaps God is not as far away as we imagine. What if He is still at work and moving even when we can’t see or feel Him?
The Bible reveals the key to understanding God and having a personal relationship with Him. If we repent and put our faith in him, Jesus says, then we will enter his kingdom. One that’s inside of us and, as a result, constantly at our disposal.
How Can We Bring the Kingdom of God Into Ourselves?
When Jesus came to earth, God’s kingdom was inaugurated. The king himself came to this world for us to have entrance to everlasting life and not perish (John 3:16). Jesus stressed the necessity of accepting the kingdom. Jesus says in Mark 10:13-16 that we need to have the faith of a child to enter the kingdom of God.
One way to enter God’s kingdom is to put one’s faith and trust in Jesus Christ. When we repent, we demonstrate our trust in Jesus. Mark 1:15 says, “‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
In addition, in John 3:3-5, Jesus describes being born again spiritually as a sign of entering God’s kingdom. According to Jesus, when we repent and trust in him, we are born again as subjects of God’s kingdom. That’s how we enter God’s kingdom.
The Parable Of The Mustard Seed: How It Applies Here
Some Christians see those who do not believe in God as the Bible is unfaithful or lacking in faith. To those, it’s important to remember the Parable of the Mustard Seed.
Seeds are something almost everyone has planted at some time in their lives, whether or not they are avid gardeners. The first fragile shoots breaking ground and stretching toward the sun are fascinating sights. It’s a wonder to witness the fruit mature into a harvestable form or the blossom burst into full color after weeks of slow but steady development. What, therefore, can we learn from gardening about nurturing faith as little as a mustard seed?
Believing in your Version of God is like Mustard Seed Faith
One of the most radical instances of development is the mustard seed, which Jesus cites in his parable. A little seed that grows into a massive plant in the garden.
The seedling will die if it is not given the attention it needs. However, if you put in the time and effort, the plant you care for will flourish, providing food and shelter for animals and turning into a picturesque haven for birds and other wildlife. So, too, is the development of our faith.
It all begins with a seed of an idea, a nascent thought first introduced to us as kids or even as adults. It’s purely theoretical at this point. There is nothing we can see, hear, or smell. This seed can be our unique view of God the Father.
How can we ensure its growth? Could we possibly affect how quickly it expands? Taking good care of the seed is essential. It must have water. There must be sunlight. Careful weeding and maintenance are required.
How To Grow Our Faith Through Knowing God
When we have spare time, we decide which of our buddies will get some of it. It is up to each of us to decide how diligently we will work. We are the ones who decide what should take precedence in our life.
Our relationship with God is also a choice that we make. It is a choice that we make based on whether or not we care enough to put in the work necessary to know Him in the same way that the disciples did and to cultivate a relationship with Him.
The decision is entirely up to us. If we don’t care enough to take the initial step, to plant that seed in the ground, then no one can compel or convince us to do what they want.
Without commitment, a relationship can’t flourish since it requires focused effort and attention. How can we offer God our attention while our faith is still a young plant that hasn’t grown enough to see the light of day yet?
Decide to walk with God, regardless of what your concept of God may be. This requires treating Him in the same manner that you would a friend, a guide, a coach, or even a parent. Engage in frequent conversation with Him. Make sure you ask Him for guidance. Give thanks to God.
Observe His grandeur in the mundane aspects of existence, such as sunrises and sunsets, the daily miracle of new life, and the wondrous things that may be found in our seas. Take in the splendor of our surroundings and offer thanks to God for everything. By entrusting God with your day-to-day awareness, you will be better able to get to know Him, and your seedling will begin to grow toward the light. Trust your version of God as He trusts you.
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