What is God Like?

“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” –A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: HarperCollins, 1961)

I’ve read or heard this quote multiple times in the last month.  Let me just say that God’s most common method of speaking to me is persistence because I can be slow at connecting the dots.  So when a message repeatedly shows up I’ve learned to pay attention.

Even though I noticed its repetition, the statement didn’t mean much to me until the recent Women of Faith conference.  If you view God as angry or judgmental you’re likely to be hard on yourself, critical of others and carry feelings of guilt or shame.  If your God is loving and forgiving, you probably have a more positive, hopeful outlook.  If you believe you are a treasured, beautiful child of God you definitely have a stronger sense of self-worth.  What you believe about God changes everything.

What is your first impression when you think about God?  Be honest and don’t think about right or wrong answers.  Your initial thought is more likely what you believe Him to be like.  How is that image shaping your attitudes and actions.