I can remember getting ready for church one morning a few years back. I plopped my son Corban on top the deep freeze so I could put his shoes on for church. As I began to put my son’s shoes on, he told me with a grin on his face, “Hey Pastoy Micah”. My son has a way of making me laugh and this time was no exception. Your toddler isn’t supposed to call you, “Pastoy Micah”. I couldn’t help but laugh. This got me thinking as to why this was so funny to me. Then I pegged it. It was way too formal. Although it’s true that I’m a pastor, being called that by my toddler is just weird. My son has a much closer way of relating to me than just as a pastor. I am his dad.
I wasn’t long after this special moment of humor with my son that my brain made a connection. I began to wonder how often we do this with God. How often do we make our relationship with God more formal than it needs to be? It is true that God is far above us. It is also equally true that God desires to be very close to us. He desires a very close, intimate relationship with His creation.
How do we know that a God who is so transcendent and unique wants to be close to us? We know because He sent His son Jesus to bridge the gap between God and man. Jesus came to saves us from our sins so we could be reconciled to our creator. The bible reminds us that when we put our faith in Jesus we are adopted into God’s family (John 1:12). We become His sons and daughters. And here’s the cool thing about adoption. When someone decides to adopt, they look at a child and see all there is to see about them. Then they say, “I want you.” They choose them. So it is with God. He sees all there is to see about us: the good, the bad, and the ugly. He chooses us anyways. He wants us. He wants to be close. He wants to be our Father (Ephesians 1:5).
So how about you? How formal is your relationship with God? Are you afraid to let God get close? I found at times we don’t get close because we are ashamed or afraid of what God will do with our wounds, failings, and sin. God sent his Son Jesus to heal, save, and redeem. God wants to be near to bring healing and wholeness to our lives. You need not to fear coming home to a Father that loves you (Luke 15:20). It’s fine to call God Lord, but many times Father will do just fine. Don’t miss the intimacy God has planned for you. Don’t keep Him at arm’s length. That’s just way too formal.