Before I list reasons four, five, and six, I realized I did not do so good a job giving a basis for my non-God-likeness at each point. One comment was made on the last point about our being made in God’s image. I do not intend to give a defense of the Christian doctrine of Imago Dei, but rather I’d like to point out that the commenter has it a bit backwards.
Reasoning that “because we are like this so must God be like this. In brief, we are made in God’s image (in the true sense of the word: an image being a two-dimensional representation of a three dimensional reality… read “Flatland” for a more thorough philosophical explanation of this topic.)
The doctrine of Imago Dei usually refers to our capacity for reason, abstract thinking, relational need and ability, awareness of a higher power, and relational needs. Much more, however, it refers to God’s concern for us, as we are beings made in his image. And because of this, a human life is a very sacred thing.
Enough of that digression. here is part two of my 9 things. Read part 1 here.
### 4. Forgetfulness
> He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations… Psalm 105:8
I forget things. Namely I forget my promises. I miss meetings, forget birthdays, drop appointments, don’t follow through on many vows. This lets people down and causes them pain.
God always remembers his promises. He always follows through on them. He will never let you down.
Some people feel let down by God. There are many possible reasons for this. Some common ones are that one can expect something from God which he never promised. This is very dangerous to one’s faith. Another is that we are often let down by people and project this on God. This connection is usually strongest with parents, especially fathers.
This lack of faithfulness on my part continually reminds me that I am weak. It also makes me thankful that God is completely faithful.
### 5. Spatial Finiteness
> For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? – Deuteronomy 4:7
> And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. – Matthew 28:20
I cannot be everywhere at once. I can only do so much. Very often I must make choices between two good things to be doing. Sometimes this lets someone down. Sometimes I have to let a good opportunity go by. This is a common experience. We like to typify it in action movies where the hero must choose between saving the girl or the crowd…
God is Spirit. He is not limited by space or time. He is near to his people. He is near those who call to him.
### 9. Doing Wrong
> “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Jesus
This statement of Jesus (during the sermon on the mount) is crushing. In order to obtain heaven, you must be perfect. If you’ve never done a wrong thing in your life, leave a comment. (I thought not.)
God is perfect, by definition. He is righteous (that means, always right, never wrong…) Every time I screw up, I am reminded that I am not like God (I am a sinner).
More to come.
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