God Views Week 12

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God ViewsWeek 12
God as a mechanic
http//www.pjteaches.com/GodViews.htm
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In this session, we will examine the potential
for our personality traits to create a false view
of God. While the spectrum of personality (the
characteristics that distinguish us from other
individuals) will be considered, we will devote
most of our attention to two particular traits
that have been known to distort pictures of
Godperfectionism and insecurity.
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perfectionism insecurity
If you have any tendencies toward perfectionism
or insecurity, be advised that what you are about
to cover is for you. If you do not struggle in
these areas, pray for the rest of us who do.
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Personality Gods Pallet for Making People
Have you ever seen a beam of light shining
through a glass prism become a rainbow of colors?
Who would have thought that every beam of light
contains a pallet of color?
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Personality Gods Pallet for Making People
In a similar fashion, you and I are like a ray of
light. As Christians, we are to be reflections
of the light of Christ that has come into the
world. But each of us is also a rainbow of
personality differences. We have distinctive
personality traits that make us unique human
beings. We are both the light of Christ and the
colors of ourselves.
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Personality Gods Pallet for Making People
Some of the hues on the palette of human
personality are universally viewed as being good.
Some traits are considered to be neutral. Some
are negative.
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Personalities according to Tim LaHaye
The four temperament categories are Sanguine,
Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic.
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Choleric
If you are a choleric, you are a dynamic,
self-motivated leader who can set your sights on
a target and relentlessly pursue it until success
is achieved. You are a strong-willed individual
who makes decisions quickly and decisively, and
who readily and easily grasps difficult concepts
and strategies. Learning comes quickly to you,
and you like to take action immediately.
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Choleric
You think logically and pragmatically, and are
sometimes accused of "rolling over" people once
you have set a plan in motion. You do not readily
reveal deep emotionsexcept anger. Cholerics are
often accused of being stubborn, domineering, and
dictatorial. You demand loyalty from your
friends, and thrive when you are in control.
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Melancholic
Time alone is vital for this reflective,
introspective temperament. A perfectionist at
home and on the job, the melancholic is likely
the one with the perfectly organized closet and
kitchen, the tidy desk-top, and the painstaking
attention to religious observances, sometimes to
the point of scrupulosity. A melancholic longs
for a deep soul mate, yet when he is around
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Melancholic
people, he often finds himself mistrustful and
disappointed. Sensing this criticism, others will
keep their distancethus further entrenching the
melancholic in his solitary life. In
relationships, the melancholic tends to be slow
to initiate, cautious, hyper-critical, and
pessimistic--yet, once committed, they are
unwaveringly loyal and self-sacrificing.
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Phlegmatic
If you are a phlegmatic, you most likely possess
a dry wit and a steady, amicable demeanor. You
are dependable, polite, and even-tempered. You
feel more comfortable in a small group of friends
or even spending a quiet evening relaxing at
home. You are never flashy, belligerent, or
self-aggrandizing. You would rather take the
blame (even unjustly) than stir up
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Phlegmatic
controversy or pick a fight. On the job, you seek
neither power nor the limelight, but work
steadily, patiently, and methodically. You are
reliable, patient, and methodical on the job, and
can work alone, or with the most difficult of
personalities. You will prefer job security,
working within a structured organization, but can
also be a leader of great character and service.
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Sanguine
If you are a sanguine, then you are most likely
the life of the party. You are funny and relish
the limelight. You are affectionate, enjoy social
activities, and make friends easily. You are
imaginative and creative, and are often the one
who enthusiastically promotes new ideas on the
job. People call you vivacious, generous, and
light-hearted. You wear your emotions on your
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Myers-Briggs Personality Type (the MBTI)
Myers concluded there were four primary ways
people differed from one another. She labeled
these differences "preferences" - drawing a
similarity to "hand preferences" to illustrate
that although we all use both of our hands, most
of us have a preference for one over the other
and "it" takes the lead in many of the activities
in which we use our hands.
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The first set of mental preferences relates to
how people "Perceive" or take in information. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the second
letter.
Those who prefer Sensing like to take
information through their eyes, ears, and other
senses to find out what is actually happening.
They are observant of what is going on around
them and are especially good at recognizing the
practical realities of a situation.
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The first set of mental preferences relates to
how people "Perceive" or take in information. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the second
letter.
In contrast, those who prefer Intuition like to
take in information by seeing the big picture,
focusing on the relationship and connections
between facts. They want to grasp patterns and
are especially good at seeing new possibilities
and different ways of doing things.
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The second set of mental preferences identifies
how people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third
letter.
Those who prefer Thinking in decision making
tend to look at logical consequences of a choice
or action. They try to mentally remove
themselves from a situation to examine it
objectively and analyze cause and effect. Their
goal is an objective
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The second set of mental preferences identifies
how people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third
letter.
standard of truth and the application of
principles. Their strengths include figuring out
what is wrong with something so they can apply
their problem-solving abilities.
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The second set of mental preferences identifies
how people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third
letter.
People who prefer to use Feeling in decision
making tend to consider what is important to them
and to other people. They mentally place
themselves in a situation and identify with the
people involved so that they can make decisions
based on
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The second set of mental preferences identifies
how people form "Judgments" or make decisions. In
the Myers MBTI Type Code, this is the third
letter.
values. Their goal is harmony and recognition of
individuals, and their strengths include
understanding, appreciating, and supporting
others.
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In the Myers MBTI Type Code, Extraversion or
Introversion is the first letter.
People who prefer Extraversion are tend to focus
on the outer world of people and external events.
They direct their energy and attention outward
and receive energy from external events,
experiences, and interactions.
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In the Myers MBTI Type Code, Extraversion or
Introversion is the first letter.
Those who prefer Introversion tend to focus on
their own inner world of ideas and experiences.
They direct their energy and attention inward and
receive energy from their internal thoughts,
feelings, and reflections.
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Introverts (about 25 of the general population)
need times of solitude to recharge their
batteries. Extraverts (about 75 of us)
recharge by being in crowdsthey need and are
energized by people. Being an introvert or
extravert does not have much to do with shyness,
as some people think. Its more about whether a
person is oriented to his inner world or to the
external world and where one recuperates from
stressin solitude or with people.
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Judging and Perceiving in the Myers MBTI Type
Code is the fourth letter.
People who prefer to use their Judging process in
the outer world tend to live in a planned,
orderly way, wanting to regulate and control
life. They make decisions, come to closure, and
move on. Their lifestyle is structured and
organized, and they like to have things settled.
Sticking to a plan and schedule is very important
to them, and they enjoy their ability to get
things done.
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Judging and Perceiving in the Myers MBTI Type
Code is the fourth letter.
People who prefer to use their Perceiving process
in the outer world tend to live in a flexible,
spontaneous way, seeking to experience and
understand life, rather than control it. Plans
and decisions feel confining to them they prefer
to stay open to experience and last-minute
options. They enjoy and trust their
resourcefulness and ability to adapt to the
demands of a situation.
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DISC Personality Profiles

• " D " - Dominant/ Driver or Fast-Paced and
  Task-Oriented
• " I " - Influencing/ Inspiring or Fast-Paced and
  People-Oriented
• " S " - Stable/ Steady or Slower-Paced and
  People-Oriented
• " C " - Compliant/ Correct or Slower-Paced and
  Task-Oriented  

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Exercise 7-A
In appendix 7-A you will find a presentation of
what is called the big five personality
dimensions. This is not a test. It is merely an
exercise to get you thinking a bit about your
personality and how it may influence your view of
God.
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Exercise 7-A
Is anyone willing to share how their personality
may influence a view of God?
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When it comes to an approach to God, it makes
sense that an introvert would be drawn to
Biblical passages about silence, solitude, and
quiet, listening prayer. The practice of
meditation would probably come very easily to an
introvert. It may be comforting for an introvert
to picture God as a gentle shepherd.
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Extraverts might be more easily drawn to Biblical
passages about action and adventure. Perhaps
more extraverts than introverts would be
attracted to auditory, intercessory prayer. The
practices of meditation and contemplation may be
more difficult for the extravert to enter into.
Extraverts may enjoy images of Jesus as being the
life of a party or view God as an active,
conquering king.
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It has been humorously suggested that extraverts
drive introverts crazy by writing books on street
evangelism. But introverts have a way of getting
them back. They write books on contemplative
prayer and being quiet before God.
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Perhaps there is a person who is more
tough-minded than tender-hearted. Perhaps this
aspect of personality makes it easier for them to
view God as a tough-minded judge than a
tender-hearted counselor.
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perfectionism insecurity
There are several personality traits that can be
destructive in relationshipsincluding our
relationship to God. Two of these traits often
occur togetherperfectionism and insecurity.
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perfectionism insecurity
Perfectionism can be considered an extreme form
of conscientiousness, which was one of the five
items assessed in Exercise 7-A. Insecurity may
be one facet of the personality dimension
emotional stability/instability. For some
folks, insecurity can fuel perfectionismand the
combination can be quite combustible.
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perfectionism insecurity
We discuss these now because of the potential
impact they may have in producing a particular
God viewGod as mechanic or shop foreman.
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perfectionism insecurity

• Do you feel that what you accomplish is never
  quite good enough?
• Do you often put off turning in workwaiting to
  get it just right?
• Do you feel that you must give more than 100 on
  everything you do?

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perfectionism insecurity
If so, instead of simply working toward success,
you may be trying to be perfect. True
perfectionism exists as a pattern of
self-defeating thoughts and behaviors aimed at
reaching excessively high and unrealistic goals
give more than 100 on everything you do?
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perfectionism insecurity
Although perfectionism is often mistaken in our
society as desirable, recent studies have shown
that perfectionistic attitudes actually interfere
with success. The desire to be perfect can rob
you of both the joy of personal satisfaction and
the ability to achieve as much as people with
less lofty goals.
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Exercise 7-B
Take a look at Exercise 7-B. Its a series of
questions to help you decide if you are something
of a perfectionist.
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Perfectionism
If you are a perfectionist, it is likely that you
learned early in life that other people valued
you because of how much you accomplished or
achieved. Perfectionists often wrestle with a
deep insecurity concerning their worth to others
and to God. As a result, they may have learned
to value themselves only on the basis of other
peoples approvalwhich leaves self esteem based
on external standards .
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Perfectionism
Perfectionists need to do several things to help
themselves before the failure to meet unrealistic
goals (or the failure of loved ones to meet
their unrealistic standards) produces depression,
anger, and isolation.
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Worksheet 7-C
Worksheet 7-C contains some suggestions for
overcoming perfectionism.
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perfectionistic god
According to J. B. Phillips, Of all the false
gods, there is probably no greater nuisance in
the spiritual world than the god of one hundred
percent a perfectionist, performance-driven
god. For he is plausible. (p. 27)
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perfectionistic god
This false view of God is particularly difficult
to dislodgeespecially for the perfectionist. It
is difficult because it is plausible. After all,
doesnt the Bible say, Be perfect, therefore, as
your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 548)
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perfectionistic god
Yes, it does. But the perfection to which Jesus
alludes is a perfection of love and relationship,
not task and toil. And even this perfection
(loving as the Trinity loves) is not possible by
human effort, but only by allowing Christ to come
live and love through us.
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perfectionistic god
But for some, what was meant to be perfect
freedom has become an anxious slavery that can
lead to nervous breakdowns and rob the Christian
life of spontaneity and joy.
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In this DVD segment, Curt Cloninger portrays God
as a mechanic who is interested only in
performance and cannot possibly spare the time to
attend to the details of the lives of his
employees (you and me).
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What was happening with your emotions as you
watched this vignette?
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What are some passages of Scripture that argue
against this type of Godview?
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Jesus says, My yoke is easy and my burden
light. (See Matthew 1130.)
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Or Paul, even after many years of following
Christ, confesses that he is still pressing
on toward the goal (Philippians 314). (i.e.,
He has not attained 100 perfection.)
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Bible StudyExercise 7-D
Matthew 1128-30 Galatians 32-4
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Matthew 11 Galatians 3
1. J. B. Phillips believes the conscientious,
sensitive, imaginative person who is somewhat
lacking in self-confidence and inclined to
introspection will find one-hundred-per-cent
perfection truly terrifying. (p. 28) How should
reading Jesus words in Matthew 1128-30 help
such an individual?
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Matthew 11 Galatians 3
2. What is Jesus suggestion for living freely
and lightly? And how has this worked in your
life?
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Matthew 11 Galatians 3
3. In the Galatians passage, what is Paul so
concerned about? And how does this situation in
the Galatian church relate to the notion of God
as a demanding mechanic?
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Matthew 11
In the passage from Matthew, it seems
important to remember that we enjoy an easy
yoke only when we are yoked together with
Christ. And in actuality, we have it even better
than oxen. Our yoke partner is not just beside
us but also inside usgiving us His strength
and power from within.
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Matthew 11
A veteran farmerwho had spent many seasons
behind a couple of oxentold me there can be a
problem when one of the oxen attempts to walk
ahead of the other. Not only is he doing too
much of the work, but the yoke irritates his
neck. Perfectionists who are Christians must
guard themselves against walking ahead of their
partner, Jesusor they could get hot under the
collar.
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Galatians 3
For the Galatians passage, it is important to
keep the context in mind. In Pauls early
ministry, he had traveled in the Roman province
of Galatia and planted several churches. His
message was about the free life in God that was
available through Jesus Christ. A few years
later, Paul learned that religious leaders from
the old school were attempting
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Galatians 3
to convince others that God was big on perfect
compliance with religious rules and regulations.
Paul wrote his letter to tell the Galatian
Christians not to give up the free life they had
in Jesus. In the words of Eugene Peterson in his
introduction to Galatians, God did not coerce us
from without, but set us free from
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Galatians 3
within. God is more concerned that we surrender
to Christs presence and love than to keep a list
of rules perfectly.
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Summary
Dallas Willard, in his book Hearing God
Developing a Conversational Relationship With
God, provides the best summary for this session.
In a section of the second chapter labeled God
as Taskmaster, he has this to say
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In the same way we demean God immeasurably by
casting him in the role of the cosmic boss,
foreman or autocrat, whose chief joy in relation
to humans is ordering them around, taking
pleasure in seeing them jump at his command and
painstakingly noting down any failures. Instead
we are to be Gods friends (2 Chronicles 207
John 1513-15) and fellow workers (1 Corinthians
39).
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The role of taskmaster, whether a pleased one or
an angry one, is a role that God accepts only
when appointed to it by our own limited
understanding. (p. 33)