What’s Your Theology?: Moving from Childish Theology to Biblical Theology
In our journey of faith, it’s easy to slip into a mindset where we see God as a means to our ends rather than recognising that we exist for the glory of God. In his letter to believers, James addresses this disconnect between our professed theology and our lived theology. He urges us to examine our prayer lives as a litmus test for our understanding of God’s role in our lives. The way we pray, or don’t pray, reveals much about our understanding of God.
We approach God with ‘Childish Theology’ when we treat and come to God thinking he exists to cater to our whims and pleasures. This thinking is revealed in our prayers, where they effectively resemble the mindset of a 4-year-old who loves their parents for what they provide. Similarly, we may approach God with a checklist of desires, viewing Him as a celestial vending machine designed to fulfill our wishes. This perspective, however, falls short of understanding our purpose: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Thankfully, God doesn’t answer those prayers (James 4:3).
James points out that conflicts and unfulfilled desires often stem from our self-centered pursuits rather than seeking God’s will. We may either forget to involve God in our decision-making (“… you have not because you ask not…” James 4:2) or attempt to manipulate Him to serve our interests (“…to spend it on your own passions…” James 4:3). This self-indulgent approach not only hinders our prayers but also leaves us unsatisfied and empty.
Biblically, true pleasure, is found in aligning our desires with God’s will (Psalm 37:4). It requires a shift from pursuing self-gratification to seeking God’s glory in all aspects of life. Instead of treating God as a means to our ends, we are called to delight ourselves in Him, finding ultimate fulfillment in His presence.
Transitioning from Childish Theology to Biblical Theology involves recognising that we exist for God’s glory, not our own (Rev 4:11). It means acknowledging God as the source of true pleasure and centering our lives around His purposes. As we immerse ourselves in God’s will and delight in His presence, we discover that real pleasure is found in being who He has called us to be.
So, what’s your theology? Are you stuck in a self-centered mindset, or are you seeking God’s glory above all else? Let’s embrace a Biblical Theology that prioritises God’s purposes and finds joy in His presence. As we do so, we’ll experience the true pleasure that comes from living in alignment with God’s will.