Is God Demanding?
Is God a Demanding God?
If I were to say to the average modern person that God is a demanding God, they might respond, “God only loves and forgives,” or “God’s demands change from culture to culture.” If I were to say that a Christian strives to observe and obey God's demands, they might picture a demanding parent or boss, not a loving God.
However, since God is wholly good, His demands are also wholly and purely good—not just for Him but for all who seek His goodness. Unlike an unrelenting boss whose demands suit his own needs, God's demands are what we should already desire. When God makes demands, it's more like a generous couple adopting a child from another culture; the child needs to learn the new culture, just as a Western child adopted into a different society would need to adapt.
The Treasure Map
God’s demands are akin to the instructions on a treasure map. It would be absurd to discard the map in frustration because of its detailed directions, especially when those directions lead to a treasure. This analogy helps illustrate that God's instructions guide us to the ultimate treasure—peace with God. Unlike promises of earthly wealth or happiness, the treasure God offers is peace and fulfillment through a relationship with Him.
Overcoming Resistance to Prayer
For a long time, I experienced a subtle resistance to prayer, finding it difficult to approach God openly. However, after studying how prayer is the main way to have a spiritual experience with God, I began to embrace it. Even when I felt unworthy due to mistakes or sins, moving toward God in prayer has transformed my perception of His instructions and diminished my resistance to them. Now, I cherish spending time with God, understanding that His commands are meant for my good.
Biblical Foundation
Considering Others More Highly: Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Taming the Tongue: James 3:6 - "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Prayer Instructions: Matthew 6:9-13 - "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"
God's Commands Are Not Too Hard: Deuteronomy 30:11-14 - "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?’ No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it."
The Reality of God's Judgment and Mercy
Ultimately, humanity answers to the triune creator God, yet many reject Him. The consequence of this rejection is death. However, in His mercy, God offers another chance through Christ, who lived without sin and died in our place. By believing in Christ, we receive His righteousness, becoming heirs in good standing with the King.
At the final judgment, you will be assessed based on either your life or Christ's life credited to your account. Trusting in your own deeds for a favorable judgment is naive. Self-assessment is flawed, but aligning with God's demands provides reassurance, confidence, and a sense of progress toward His Kingdom.
Two Kinds of people
There are two types of people who can take a step toward God. The first group includes those who hear a command or principle in the Bible and immediately feel overwhelmed by yet another responsibility in their already busy lives. If this is you, remember that Christ has paid your way and will see you through. Your first step is to look back at the cross and then move forward with one act of obedience at a time.
The second group consists of those who have been relaxing in the grace of God, perhaps missing out on the fullness of the Maker's design. It's time to embrace His instructions and experience the complete transformation He offers.
Transformation Through God's Demands
God's demands are not to burden you but to transform you. They challenge the notion of self-authority and align you with His vision of the 'good life.' This transformation is a journey of hope, leading to a life that mirrors God's plan.
Rejecting Christianity because of a presupposition that God is too demanding is like refusing a treasure because the map has instructions. The focus here is on the Christian life—understanding that God’s instructions are for our ultimate good, guiding us toward His Kingdom.
Take Action
Reflect on the past seven days. What would your younger self suggest you change to better implement a gospel principle in your weekly habits? Identify one practice and write it in your calendar or phone, along with time slots and reminders. Gather any materials you need now so you have no excuses when the time comes.
In summary, God's demands are expressions of His goodness, guiding us towards a deeper relationship with Him. Embrace these instructions as part of your journey into God's kingdom, knowing that they lead to the ultimate treasure—peace, transformation, and eternal life with God.
Which areas of god’s commands are you most resistant to? Decide to take one small step in that area. It will most likely be the area in which you will feel the most improved by surrendering to God’s guidance.