by Athena Brady

Created on: December 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 30, 2009

How would we put God first in our lives ? How do you perceive God ? Is he is the avenger who punishes for our sins and expects us to bring the transgressions of others into the light; or is he/she a loving being that assists and guides us through our lives ? Is God within or without, is God in our hearts and minds, part of our very core; or is God in heaven looking down upon us. I know where I stand on these questions but where do you stand ? Determining the answer to this depends on how you, in a practical sense put God first in your life.

If you are from the school of thought that believes God is an avenger and we are his assistants in the process; you may demonstrate this in the following ways. You may feel extremely guilty for your own perceived sins and withdraw into an isolated world of your own making. Feeling hopeless and helpless, or you may project this onto other people. Highlighting your view of their perceived sins, which may draw attention away from your own. People may believe they are doing the work of God by bringing attention to the transgressions of others; and attempting to show them the way back to God, for them this is putting God first in their lives.

Others suggest that knowing God is knowing oneself, as God is not without but within. He is not just someone we turn to in times of trouble but is part of our lives on a daily basis. These people speak to God like they would to a trusted friend or confidant; they do not fear him but instead love him. They see others as part of God, not just themselves and see a thread of connectivity that runs through us all, no matter what our culture or creed may be. We see examples of these people every day, in the family members who forgive horrendous crimes against their loved ones. Or people who turn negative experiences into positive ones by campaigning for changes to legislation, after severe personal loss.

These people are examples of God's love in action. If they are at the end of their tether and cannot see a solution to their problem they give it to God. If they have given all they can give, do all they can think to do, they turn to God for a solution. They may talk to God throughout their day giving thanks to God for the good things they have, shelter, food, love etc.

They may not even attend church but yet are in conversation with God every day of their lives. These people see the world and inside themselves as their church; and realise to judge another is in fact, to judge themselves. They will try their best to give as much to the world as they can and often give others the greatest gift of all “hope”; and a sense that they are always loved by God and do not need to do anything to gain that love other than request it. They have a true understanding of the words “seek and you shall find .... ask and you will be given”

Learn more about this author, Athena Brady.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.