The Good and Beautiful God

1. Transformation isn't willpower; it's indirect training.

The will is neither strong nor weak. Like a horse, it has only one task: to do what the rider (the mind, influenced by the body and the social realm) tells it to do.

Willpower fails. Many attempt personal change through sheer willpower, but this often leads to failure, as the will merely responds to deeper influences. The will, being a capacity to choose, lacks inherent power; it's guided by the mind, body, and social context. This explains why New Year's resolutions so frequently falter.

Indirect change. Genuine transformation occurs indirectly by modifying these influencers: our narratives (what we think), practices (what we do), and social context (who we interact with). Jesus understood this, teaching in stories to reshape understanding and encouraging practices that embed new truths. This approach makes change feel natural and easy, like Peyton Manning practicing with wet footballs.

Four components. The reliable method for heart change involves a "triangle of transformation":

• Changing narratives in our minds.
• Engaging in new soul-training exercises.
• Participating in community for reflection and dialogue.
• All under the leading of the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers.

2. God is good, not an angry judge.

Jesus unequivocally says no. He shuts down this way of thinking.

False narrative. A prevalent belief is that God is an angry judge who punishes sin, leading to suffering. This ancient narrative, often reinforced by misinterpretations of scripture or tragic events, suggests a direct correlation between personal sin and misfortune. Such a view can lead to fear, guilt, and questioning God's character during hardship.

Jesus' truth. Jesus consistently rejected the idea that suffering is a direct punishment for sin. When asked about the Galileans killed by Pilate or the blind man, he explicitly stated, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned." Instead, he used these moments to reveal God's power and goodness, emphasizing that God "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous."

Unknowable reasons. While we may not understand why bad things happen to good people, Augustine reminds us that God possesses "highest virtue and... wisdom and... justice." We are encouraged to focus on the "good things peculiar to the good"—the inner blessings of joy and peace that come from living righteously, rather than seeking earthly justice or explanations for suffering.

3. God is trustworthy, our intimate Abba Father.

The intimate word conveys not a casual sort of familiarity but the deepest, most trustful reverence.

Unworthy trust. Many struggle to trust God, viewing Him as distant or punitive, leading to fear and anxiety. This often stems from negative experiences with earthly authority figures or a misunderstanding of God's nature. Such a god is not worthy of deep, unwavering trust.

Jesus' revelation. Jesus revealed God as "Abba," a term of profound intimacy and trust, even in his darkest hour in Gethsemane. This signifies a God who is not only near but also holy, powerful, providing, pardoning, and protecting. Jesus' definition of Fatherhood transcends human limitations, offering a perfect model of parental love and reliability.

Joining our story. When we align our personal narratives with God's overarching story, our suffering gains meaning, becoming bearable. Trusting God means recognizing His "widespread mercy" and countless blessings, shifting our focus from perceived "cups" (struggles) to the "vast treasure" of His provision. This allows us to "enjoy the ride" of life, knowing God is with us.

4. God is generous, not demanding performance.

Will you then murmur against God’s goodness? That is the core of Jesus’ vindication of the gospel: Look what God is like—all goodness.

Earning favor. A pervasive false narrative, deeply embedded in culture and even some religious teachings, is that God's love, forgiveness, and blessings must be earned through good behavior or religious performance. This "earning-favor" mindset fosters guilt, fear, and a constant striving for acceptance, leading to a scarcity mentality. It misinterprets biblical narratives, focusing on isolated instances of punishment rather than the overarching story of grace.

God's lavish grace. Jesus' parable of the vineyard workers radically counters this, demonstrating God's "utter gratuity" and boundless generosity. The landowner pays all workers the same, regardless of hours worked, highlighting that God's blessings are unearned gifts, not merited wages. This reveals a God who gives freely, not because we deserve it, but because it is His nature.

Delighting in God. God's primary desire is not our perfect performance, but for us to know and love Him in return. Julian of Norwich suggests the greatest honor we can give God is to "live gladly because of the knowledge of his love." This narrative of a God who "delights in us" fosters genuine love and gratitude, providing a lasting incentive for change far beyond fear or guilt.

5. God is unconditionally loving, welcoming sinners.

Here is the revelation bright as the evening star: Jesus comes for sinners, for those as outcast as tax collectors and for those caught up in squalid choices and failed dreams.

Conditional love. Many believe God's love is conditional, like a "swivel chair" that turns away when we sin. This performance-based acceptance, learned from childhood and reinforced by society, leads to constant uncertainty and anxiety about God's favor. It makes us feel we must earn His affection through religious acts or sin avoidance.

Jesus' radical welcome. Jesus' actions and teachings reveal a God of unconditional acceptance. He dined with tax collectors and "sinners," proclaiming he came for the sick, not the healthy. John 3:16 declares God "so loved the world" (sinners included) that He gave His Son, not to condemn, but to save. Paul affirms this: "while we still were sinners Christ died for us."

The Prodigal Father. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates God's "recklessly extravagant" love. The father, seeing his wayward son "still far off," runs to him, embraces him, and restores his sonship without demanding penance. This challenges our self-righteousness, showing that God's grace is for all, and our refusal to accept it (like the elder brother) is the true barrier.

6. God is holy, and His wrath is loving opposition to sin.

Would a God who took as much pleasure in evil as he did in good be a good God? Would a God who did not act adversely to evil in his world be morally perfect? Surely not.

Misconceptions of wrath. People often hold two false narratives about God's wrath: either He is perpetually angry and punitive, or He is a "teddy bear" god who is indifferent to sin. Both views are incomplete and unbiblical. The former instills fear, while the latter undermines the need for Christ's sacrifice and a just kingdom.

God's righteous pathos. Jesus spoke of judgment and wrath, but biblical wrath is not irrational human rage (passion); it is "pathos"—a mindful, objective, and consistent opposition to sin and evil. God's wrath is a necessary, judicial reaction of a loving and holy God to anything that destroys His precious people. It is a temporary verdict on sin, not a permanent attribute of God.

Love loves unto purity. Holiness is God's essence, meaning He is pure, without sin or darkness. God's holy love "burns the dross of sin out of our lives" because He is for us, not against us. This "consuming fire" of love seeks our wholeness and purity. Hell, as separation from God, is a necessary consequence of freely chosen rejection, not an arbitrary punishment from an indifferent deity.

7. God is self-sacrificing, reversing corruption through Christ.

He fulfilled in death all that was required.

The cross's mystery. Many struggle to understand why Jesus had to become human and die on the cross, viewing it as unnecessary or even "child abuse." This perspective often stems from a belief that God could simply declare the world forgiven without such a gruesome sacrifice, failing to grasp the depth of human corruption.

Divine dilemma. Athanasius explains that humanity's problem was not mere law-breaking or ignorance, but complete corruption and depravity, a disease beyond self-cure. God, being good, could not go back on His word (death for sin) nor let His creation be destroyed. The solution required the sinless Word of God to take on a human body, surrender it to death, and thereby abolish the law of death for all.

Paradox of strength. God willingly risked unrequited love by entering our world in vulnerability and enduring suffering. Self-sacrifice, though appearing weak, is the "highest act" and true strength, reflecting God's own nature. As Philippians 2:6-11 reveals, Jesus' emptying and humbling of himself led to His exaltation, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness.

8. God transforms us from sinners to Christ-indwelt saints.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.

False identity. Many Christians, despite their faith, identify primarily as "sinners," leading to frustration and defeat in their struggle against sin. This narrative, though seemingly humble, is illogical and contradicts the New Testament's teaching on identity in Christ. It fosters a cycle of trying harder and failing, rather than relying on God's transformative power.

New creation in Christ. The New Testament consistently proclaims that Christians are "in Christ," a "new creation," indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This means our old nature has died, and we are made alive with Christ, reconciled to God, and no longer defined by sin. We are not merely forgiven sinners, but saints—persons in whom Christ dwells, possessing eternal life.

Abiding in Christ. While traces of sin remain in our unredeemed flesh, its power has been broken; it "remains, though it does not reign." The key to overcoming sin is "abiding in Christ"—resting in and relying on His indwelling presence and power. This new way of living, like a country dog content near its master, empowers us to make choices aligned with our true identity as those "meant to house the fullness of God."

9. Spiritual growth requires slowing down and being present.

Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.

Hurry sickness. Modern culture's obsession with productivity, speed, and efficiency creates "hurry sickness," leading to distraction, anxiety, and a diminished spiritual life. We often prioritize "doing" over "being," sacrificing relationships, spiritual practices, and self-care on the altar of achievement. This "tyranny of the urgent" prevents us from truly experiencing life and God.

Mary's better way. Jesus' gentle rebuke of Martha highlights the "one thing needful": listening to Him and being present in the moment. While service is good, listening takes precedence. Jesus himself lived a perfectly paced life, balancing contemplation and action, retreating to pray before engaging in ministry. This rhythm allows us to act wisely in a busy world.

Ruthlessly eliminate hurry. To cultivate spiritual growth, we must "ruthlessly eliminate hurry" from our lives. This means intentionally slowing down, creating "margin" in our schedules, and resisting the urge to multitask. By becoming present to the present moment, we "show up" for life and for God, allowing the Spirit to strengthen us and reveal the "sacred theater" of His presence.

10. Transformation is a slow, continuous process.

Spiritual renewal is a gradual process. All growth is progressive, and the finer the organism, the longer the process.

No quick fixes. Spiritual transformation is not an overnight event but a gradual, often imperceptible process, much like a cucumber slowly becoming a pickle. Expecting massive, immediate changes after starting new practices can lead to discouragement when visible progress is slow. Human beings, being complex organisms, require significant time for deep, lasting change.

The 10,000-hour rule. Mastery in any field, including spiritual formation, often requires around ten thousand hours of dedicated practice. While this isn't a rigid rule for spiritual growth, it underscores the need for consistent, long-term engagement with narratives and practices. Even small, consistent steps, like Mozart's early compositions, contribute to eventual profound development.

God's patient work. God "does not hurry in His development of our Christian life." Our journey involves periods of tremendous growth and times of solidifying that growth, much like an oak tree. The Holy Spirit continuously renovates our souls as we earnestly engage in spiritual training, assuring us that "the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion."

Last updated: February 10, 2026