Theology and Our Relationship with God

"Hence, the reality of faith itself — our commitment to the God revealed in Christ — calls forth theological reflection." — Stanley Grenz, Theology for the Community of God (p. 1)

As a parent of school-aged children, I frequently confront the reality that, while assisting them with their homework, I struggle to remember what they are learning. More often than I’d like to admit, I find myself turning to Google in search of the correct answers.

This experience illustrates a crucial truth: our knowledge of the world is limited. It is constrained by what we have learned, what we can recall, and the information available to us. There is no one person who possesses comprehensive knowledge about everything. Indeed, even specialists in a given field have gaps in their understanding. These gaps encourage us to engage in deeper inquiry and study.

This is true for the most important of all areas of inquiry: God.

The Need for Theological Reflection

Too often, because our contemporary culture emphasizes the “relationship” aspect of God, we feel like the study of God makes that relationship all about intellectual knowledge. We figure that because it is like a relationship, we will learn what we need along the way, through our experience. Unfortunately, this reality has contributed to the American Church not fully understanding who God is and how He expects us to live.

In a typical interpersonal relationship, we come to know another person through shared experiences. These moments reveal their character and provide us ample opportunities to engage in conversation and ask questions. However, our relationship with God operates differently. The experiences we have with Him must be interpreted through the lens of Scripture. The Bible serves as our primary source for understanding both who God is and His will for the world. Part of nurturing our relationship with God involves dedicating time to study and meditate on the Bible, which helps us in truly knowing Him.

We Are All Theologians

Many of us do not identify as theologians. For much of my life, I viewed myself simply as a Bible student, with the academic discipline of theology seeming distant and inaccessible. We often perceive theology through an academic lens, characterized by complex terminology and intricate ideas. This perception can lead to the conclusion that theology is irrelevant to our relationship with God.

It is true that theology can feel out of reach and not practical to following Jesus, but that is not all theology is. At its core, the work of theology is the work of thinking well about God. Understanding that God is the Creator is the work of theology. Knowing that God is Trinity is also the work of theology. As we think through what the Bible says about God, we are engaged in the task of theology.

Since theology is thinking well about God, then we engage in theology whenever we ponder His nature, His works, or His will for our lives. It is important for us to remember that theology is not merely an academic pursuit for scholars in seminaries; it is a necessary discipline for every believer who desires to grow in their faith. To follow Jesus faithfully requires that we take time to deepen our understanding of God through study, reflection, and application.

The Foundation of Theology

The foundation for theology is always Scripture. While it is true that nature reflects the glory of God, it is Scripture alone that provides us with the information that we need to truly understand who God is. Reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible are important parts of theology; they provide the correct input we need to think well about God. Without a solid grounding in Scripture, our thoughts about God can easily be shaped by cultural assumptions, personal experiences, or misconceptions rather than by biblical truth.

Yet, theology is not merely an individual endeavor. The Church, both historically and presently, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of God. Throughout history, faithful believers have wrestled with Scripture, created doctrines, and provided insights that help us think rightly about God. Engaging with the teachings of the Church helps guard against error and deepens our understanding by connecting us with the wisdom of the faithful people who have gone before us.

Theology Leads to Transformation

The goal of theology is not merely learning more information but fostering a deeper love for God and maturing our faith. Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). Loving God with our mind implies engaging in the work of theology—seeking to know Him rightly so that we may worship Him more fully and live in obedience to His will.

When we neglect theology, we risk distorting our understanding of God and living according to a false perception of Him. A faith that is not grounded in truth is susceptible to error, doubt, and instability. However, when we commit ourselves to theological reflection, we equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to discern truth and to stand firm in our faith.

Ultimately, theology is a pursuit that leads to transformation. As we grow in our knowledge of God, our hearts are strengthened in commitment, our lives better reflect the character of Jesus, and our purpose aligns with God’s heart. Theology is not just about thinking well; it is also about living well. It is about knowing God so that we might love Him more deeply and follow Him more faithfully.

Sunday Prayer: Produce the Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who works within us to make us more like Jesus. Lord, my great desire is to bear the fruit that comes from being guided by the Spirit. Fill my heart with love, that I may love others as You have loved me. Let joy overflow in my life, even in trials, so that I may be a witness of Your goodness. Grant me perfect peace, calming the storms within me and helping me trust in Your will.

Teach me patience, Lord, in every situation and with every person, just as You are patient with me. May kindness and goodness flow from my words and actions, reflecting Your heart to the world. Strengthen my faithfulness, that I may walk in obedience and remain strong in my commitment to You.

Father, help me to be gentle in my responses, showing grace as You have shown grace to me. And give me self-control, that I may resist temptation and choose to live a life of holiness that reflects Your character in the world.

I surrender to the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. Shape me, mold me, and let my life bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, I pray.

Amen.

Living Out Holiness

1 Peter 1:13-16 (CSB)

Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy. 

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Have you ever paused to reflect on what it truly means to be holy? 

The apostle Peter’s words that we read in 1 Peter 1:13-16 provide us with guidance as we seek to live a holy life. What we see here is that holiness is both a command and a calling for every believer. 

Since being holy is such an important part of being a follower of Jesus, we need to understand what holiness actually is.

The simple definition I like to use for holiness is: To be separated from the ordinary. God is separated from the ordinary because He is the Creator, the very definition of Love and Goodness, and the only One worthy to be Worshipped. 

We are separated from the ordinary because of God’s saving work through Jesus. This means we have been set apart for a purpose: to Love God and to love people. The key thought behind holiness is the reality that God has set us apart from the rest of the world for His purposes. It is up to us to live that reality out in the world.

How do we go about doing that? This passage will help us understand how we can live as God’s holy people in the world.

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Prepare Your Minds

Peter begins with a call to action: “Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, CSB).

This preparation involves more than just wishful thinking; it requires intentional focus. Our hope is anchored in the grace of King Jesus—a grace that not only saves but sustains us until his return. To set our hope fully on this grace, we must guard our minds against the lies, distortions, and distractions of the world.

How often do we allow our thoughts to be shaped by the noise of culture, rather than the truth of Scripture? This is why renewing our minds take intentional effort. We do this through prayer, worship, meditation on and study of Scripture, and loving those around us. These are the type of activities that help us align our hearts with God’s heart.

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Conduct Yourselves with Reverence

Peter continues, “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:14-15, CSB).

There was a time when we could have claimed to be ignorant of God and His ways. Once we put our faith in Jesus and following him that is no longer the case. We are to live as obedient children, because we know the character and will of our Heavenly Father.

The defining part of leaving behind ignorance and embracing obedience is holiness. It is true that we when we first start following Jesus we didn’t fully understand God’s will, but we understood that we are called to be different, to be separated from the ordinary. This changed our desire from trying to be part of the world to trying to honor King Jesus in what we said and did.

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Embrace God’s Call to Holiness

Finally, Peter reminds us of the ultimate standard: “for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16, CSB).

God doesn’t want us to be separate from the rest of the world just so we can be different. He wants us to be separate from the world because He is. He wants us to be holy because He is holy. We are created in His image to demonstrate His character in this world. The only way we can live out this original design is for us to be holy.

The only way we can be holy is to be dependent on God. This is what is means to be “poor in spirit.” We don’t have what it takes to be the people God created us to be, the only thing we can do is to trust Him. This is why prayer, Bible study and meditation, worship, and being part of a Christian community are vital parts of living a holy life. We can’t do it on our own.

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Putting Holiness into Action

Take a moment to reflect: Are there areas in your life where holiness has taken a backseat? Perhaps it’s in your thought life, your habits, or your relationships. This is part of being holy, it is evaluating our lives and discovering those areas that still need to be brought under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Holiness is not about perfection; it’s about progress. It’s a daily journey of becoming more like Jesus. Commit to that journey today, relying on God’s grace and strength every step of the way.

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Final Thoughts

Living out holiness isn’t just a command; it’s a calling that transforms every aspect of our lives. As we prepare our minds, conduct ourselves with reverence, and embrace God’s call, we’re reminded that holiness is ultimately about reflecting the character of God in this world. It is one of the ways people will witness God in their lives.

Holiness is a crucial part of living as a disciple of Jesus. It gives us a path to travel and it allows us to show the world around us that there is a better way to live.

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What are your thoughts on holiness? Share your reflections in the comments below—I’d love to hear how God is working in your life.

Redefining Purpose

Many, if not all of us, have a sense that we were made for more. That we were created to do something great that will change the world, or at least make a difference in the lives of a few people. We don’t want our lives be meaningless.

This is why we frequently hear messages about pursuing our dreams and following our hearts. Those are the messages that we want to hear. American culture, even within the church, promotes the idea that a fulfilled life comes from doing what we are passionate about—chasing our "God-given dreams" and living a life of success, influence, and happiness.

But what if purpose isn’t about chasing a dream? What if it’s about something deeper—something unshakable?

To answer this, we must first ask: What is purpose?

At its core, purpose is about our why—our primary motivation for living. It helps us make sense of life and determine how to best use our time, talents, and opportunities. But does the world's definition align with God’s?

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Worldly Definitions of Purpose

A Performance-Based View of Purpose

In today’s culture, the idea of finding your purpose is often tied to personal fulfillment. People are encouraged to search for their true calling, chase their dreams, and to do what they are passionate about. There is no doubt that meaningful work is a blessing, this mindset can also be misleading because it equates purpose with success, status, or self-fulfillment—luxuries that not everyone can afford.

From a young age, we are conditioned to believe that purpose is something we must discover and achieve. We hear motivational phrases like:

• “Follow your passion, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
• “When you cease to dream you cease to live.”
• “Dreams are the fuel that ignites the fire of possibility.”

These thoughts may be inspiring, but they can also create unrealistic expectations. Not everyone has a single, lifelong passion or a clear career path that feels like their "one true calling." Many people struggle with uncertainty, transition, or simply working to provide for their families. Does that mean they lack purpose?

The Anxiety of Chasing Purpose

When purpose is defined by following your dreams or living with a passion, it leads to unnecessary stress when that is not your experience. Rather than discovering their purpose, many people will experience:

• Doubt – “Do I have a dream worth following?”
• Disappointment – “Every time I think life is going to turn around for me the other shoe drops.”
• Comparison – “Others seem to be living their dream—why am I struggling?”

Rather than bringing joy, the pursuit of purpose often brings with it anxiety and depression, making people feel like they are being left behind or missing out on something bigger.

The Pressure to Define Ourselves by What We Do

We all know that our American culture equates identity with career and achievements. When someone asks, “What do you do?” they are often really asking, “Who are you?” This places enormous pressure on people to define themselves by their accomplishments rather than their character or faithfulness.

I know I struggled with this when I was baking bagels in Iowa City, unable to find a paid pastoral position. I constantly battled feelings of failure and inadequacy. I had based my identity and purpose so much on being a pastor that when I wasn’t in that role, I felt like I was wasting my life.

Looking back, I now see how God used that time in my life to refine my character and reshape my understanding of purpose.

What Happens When Circumstances Change?

If our purpose is tied to what we do or what we can achieve, then what happens when life takes an unexpected turn?

• What if you lose your job?
• What if your dreams shift or don’t work out?
• What if your season of life demands something different from what you planned?

When purpose is defined by success, failure or change can make us feel like we’ve lost our identity.

Shifting the Focus

The world’s definition of purpose is rooted in following your dreams and trying to accomplish something great, but this approach often leads to frustration, disappointment, and anxiety. Instead of purpose being about our fulfillment and success, Scripture teaches that our purpose is found in something different—faithfulness to God.

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The Biblical Definition of Purpose

The world often tells us that purpose about what we do—chasing our dreams, the difference we make, or the impact we have on other people. However, Scripture paints a different picture. Instead of tying purpose to achievement, the Bible consistently defines it in terms of faithfulness to God. Our purpose is not found in what we accomplish but in how we live in obedience to Him.

Purpose Is Rooted in Faithfulness, Not Success

Rather than centering purpose on self-fulfillment, Scripture calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s heart and character in all the various circumstances of life. Consider these key verses:

Micah 6:8

"Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the LORD requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."

• God makes it clear that our purpose isn’t about chasing grand achievements but about living with justice, mercy, and humility.
• Success means little if we neglect those around us who are struggling. Purpose is about using what we have to make a difference.
• True purpose requires walking humbly with God—aligning with His values and will rather than our own ambitions.

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

• Our ultimate purpose is not about us but about Jesus living through us.
• We are called to live with love, hope, and truth, showing the world that there is a better way.
• True purpose is found in surrender—allowing Jesus to shape our desires, decisions, and daily lives.

Colossians 3:17

"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

• This verse doesn’t limit purpose to a specific job or calling. Instead, whatever we do should be done in a way that honors Jesus.
• Our loyalty to Christ is seen in how we live and represent Him in our daily lives.
• This is the purpose for every Christian—we represent King Jesus in everything we say and do.

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A Shift in Perspective: From Doing to Being

These verses challenge the common idea that purpose is about what we do. Instead, they emphasize how we live. Purpose is less about a grand mission to change the world and more about a daily posture of obedience, love, and faithfulness.

• Instead of asking, “What should I do with my life?” we should ask, “How can I honor God in whatever I do?”
• Instead of trying to follow our hearts, we should focus on being faithful wherever God has placed us.

Living with Purpose in Every Season

This biblical view of purpose brings incredible freedom. If purpose is tied to a specific job, talent, or opportunity, then our sense of meaning is fragile—it can be lost when circumstances change. But if our purpose is found in living faithfully before God, then we can live with purpose whether we are:

• Working in a career we love or in a job that simply provides for our needs.
• In a time of growth or a time of waiting.
• Serving in a big, visible way or in quiet, unseen way.

No moment is wasted when our purpose is to walk humbly with God and to be faithful to Him in every circumstance of our lives.

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Conclusion: Purpose Is About Faithfulness

The biblical definition of purpose removes the pressure to “figure it all out” and instead calls us to trust God, love others, and live for His glory. No matter where we are or what we do, our purpose remains the same:

To act justly, love faithfulness, and walk humbly with our God.