How did you view God as you were growing up?
Did your parents introduce you to God as a child? If so, what kind of image did they project on you? Was it a "kind and gentle" God who is always there for you and loves you unconditionally? Or was it a stern, father-like figure that was ready to "pounce" on you when you did something wrong? Maybe your parents did not introduce God or religion during your childhood. Maybe they decided to "let you figure it out" when you got older.
Believe it or not, how you view God or your "Image of God" was created at a very young age. For some people, that image was a very positive, peace-filled image that they carried with them into adolescence and adulthood. For others, the image was strained due to a dysfunctional childhood or a traumatic event that happened in their lives.
I remember staring at the crucifix at church during Mass when I was a young child. Some churches have a figure of the resurrected Christ in all His glory. Our church had the crucified corpus with nails in the hands and feet as well as parts of chest ripped open. It was very graphic and disturbing. I could not wrap my mind around the fact that someone, our God, was persecuted and tortured in such a heinous and cruel manner. As such, I did not really understand God. I did not realize at the time that God loves me more than anyone. He knows all my faults and weaknesses - all my failures and sins. Yet, he loves me anyway.
Kevin's image was so different from mine. His mother introduced God to him as a Santa-like figure. "If you want something, pray to Jesus and he will bring it to you." God was presented as a very friendly, always-willing-to-give-you-what-you-need type of figure. As such, Kevin grew up with a very positive image of God.
As we grow older, our image tends to change and become more mature. For some people, as they begin to understand God, they have a more positive image that brings them closer to Christ. For others, they grow angry with God because He did not answer a prayer or allowed something tragic to occur in their lives. As a result, they turn away from God and turn away from the church. We need to pray for these people and ask God to open their hearts to the idea of forgiveness.
Others put God on a shelf and only take Him down in times of need. Perhaps someone gets sick or loses their job. God suddenly becomes important again. They start to pray and go to church again. Then, when things get better, they slip back into their old habits and God is no longer a priority in their lives.
Fortunately, for us, God always welcomes us back home. I remember as a teenager when I would go out at night, my parents always left the front porch light on for me. Sometimes - much to their worry and anger - I would come home very late. Yet, I could always count on that front porch light being illuminated. It was as if they were saying, "You are always welcome home - no matter what."
That is the way it is with God. He ALWAYS leaves the front porch light on for us. He welcomes us home - faults and all. He LOVES us no matter what.
