Introduction
In the complexities of life, it is easy for us to become consumed by the worries, expectations, and opinions of others. We often find ourselves placing too much importance on people and their judgments, while inadvertently diminishing the significance of our relationship with God. This phenomenon, aptly described as “when people are big and God is small,” can have profound implications on our faith, well-being, and overall perspective. In this blog post, we will explore this concept and discuss how we can regain a balanced perspective, where God takes His rightful place at the center of our lives.
- The Danger of Elevating People:
In the journey of faith, it is essential to recognize the danger of elevating people above God. When we allow the opinions and expectations of others to take precedence over our relationship with Him, we risk losing sight of our true identity and purpose. Placing people on pedestals can lead to a constant pursuit of validation, approval, and acceptance from them, which often comes at the expense of our authenticity and spiritual growth.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of seeking the approval of others instead of seeking God’s approval.
In Galatians 1:10, the Apostle Paul writes, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This verse reminds us that when we prioritize pleasing people, we become ineffective in our service to God. Our focus shifts from serving Him wholeheartedly to seeking the fleeting approval of others.
Placing people on pedestals can also lead to disappointment and disillusionment. People are imperfect, and their opinions and judgments are often subjective and fallible.
Psalm 118:8 reminds us, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.”
When we place our trust and reliance solely on people, we set ourselves up for disappointment. However, when we trust in the Lord, we find refuge and security in His unwavering love and faithfulness.
Moreover, seeking validation from others can hinder our spiritual growth.
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus cautions us, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
When our actions and motivations are driven by the desire for recognition from others, we miss out on the deeper rewards that come from seeking God’s approval. True spiritual growth happens when we seek to please God rather than people.
To combat the danger of elevating people, we must realign our priorities and place God at the center of our lives. We must seek His approval above all else.
In Colossians 3:23-24, the Apostle Paul encourages us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to serve the Lord, not to seek the approval of people. When we work wholeheartedly for His glory, we will receive eternal rewards that far surpass any temporary validation from others.
Additionally, we must remember that our true identity is found in Christ, not in the opinions of others.
Psalm 139:14 declares, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Our worth and value come from being created in the image of God, not from the opinions or judgments of people. When we understand our identity in Christ, we can live authentically and confidently, free from the need for validation from others.
Elevating people above God can lead to detrimental consequences in our faith journey. It can hinder our spiritual growth, lead to disappointment, and cause us to lose sight of our true identity and purpose. However, by realigning our priorities and seeking God’s approval above all else, we can find true fulfillment and live authentically. Let us remember the words of
Isaiah 2:22, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”
Instead, let us place our trust in the unchanging and faithful God who loves us unconditionally and guides us on the path of righteousness.
- Diminishing God’s Sovereignty:
In our journey of faith, it is crucial to recognize the danger of diminishing God’s sovereignty by allowing people to become bigger than Him in our lives. When we limit God to the boundaries of human understanding and human limitations, we unintentionally undermine His power and authority. This limited view of God hinders our trust, faith, and reliance on His divine guidance and providence. However, by rediscovering the vastness of God’s love, wisdom, and power, we can restore our faith and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and peace.
The Bible repeatedly affirms the sovereignty of God, reminding us of His limitless power and authority.
In Isaiah 46:9-10, God declares, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. . I spread the word about the end all along, from old times, what is just on the horizon. I say, ‘My motivation will stand, and I will do all that I please.’
This passage emphasizes that God is unmatched in His sovereignty and that His plans and purposes will prevail. Our limited understanding should never diminish His infinite wisdom and control over all things.
When we diminish God’s sovereignty, we also limit our trust in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
By leaning on our own understanding and relying solely on human perspectives, we limit our ability to fully trust in God’s wisdom and guidance. However, when we wholeheartedly submit to Him and acknowledge His sovereignty, we can trust that He will direct our paths in alignment with His perfect plan.
Diminishing God’s sovereignty also affects our faith.
Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
When we limit God’s authority and power, our faith may waver, and we may struggle to believe in His ability to work miracles in our lives. However, when we recognize and embrace His sovereignty, our faith is strengthened, and we can confidently approach Him, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him diligently.
Furthermore, diminishing God’s sovereignty hampers our reliance on His providence.
In Matthew 6:25-26, Jesus teaches us not to worry about our basic needs, saying, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
When we diminish God’s sovereignty, we may find ourselves excessively worrying about our provisions and relying solely on our own efforts. However, when we acknowledge His sovereignty, we can confidently trust in His divine provision and rest in the assurance that He cares for us.
To restore our faith and embrace God’s sovereignty fully, we must expand our understanding of His greatness. We can do this through prayer, meditation on His Word, and seeking a deeper relationship with Him.
Psalm 145:3 declares, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
As we seek to know Him more intimately, we will discover the immeasurable depth of His love, the vastness of His wisdom, and the unlimited power of His sovereignty.
Diminishing God’s sovereignty by allowing people to become bigger than Him in our lives hinders our trust, faith, and reliance on His divine guidance and providence. However, by expanding our understanding of His greatness and embracing His limitless power and authority, we can restore our faith and navigate life’s challenges with confidence and peace. Let us remember that God’s sovereignty knows no limits, and He is always in control, working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
- Cultivating a God-Centered Perspective:
Cultivating a God-centered perspective requires intentional effort and a deliberate shift in our priorities. Here are four key practices that can help us develop and maintain a God-centered mindset in our lives:
a. Seeking God’s Word: The foundation of a God-centered perspective is rooted in a deep understanding of His Word. Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture allows us to gain insight into God’s character, His ways, and His plan for our lives.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
When we study and meditate on God’s Word, we gain clarity and direction. It reminds us of His unfailing love, faithfulness, and the promises He has made to His children. As we internalize His truths, our perspective begins to align with His perspective.
b. Prayer and Reflection: Prayer is a vital tool in cultivating a God-centered mindset. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, pouring out our hearts, expressing gratitude, seeking His guidance, and surrendering our worries and burdens to Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Taking time for reflection allows us to pause, listen, and receive the wisdom and guidance that God desires to impart to us. It is in these moments of quiet reflection that we can hear His voice and align our thoughts with His.
c. Surrounding Ourselves with Like-Minded Believers: Engaging with a community of like-minded believers is crucial in cultivating a God-centered perspective.
Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
When we surround ourselves with fellow believers, we create an environment of support, accountability, and encouragement. Through fellowship, we can uplift and inspire one another in our faith journeys. Sharing our struggles, testimonies, and victories with others who are also seeking a God-centered perspective helps us stay on track and navigate life’s challenges with faith and resilience.
d. Surrendering Control: One of the essential aspects of developing a God-centered perspective is surrendering control. Often, we find ourselves striving to control every aspect of our lives, seeking validation from others, and relying on our own understanding. However,
Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Surrendering control means recognizing that God is the ultimate authority and that His ways are higher than ours. It involves letting go of the need for validation from others and placing our trust in His perfect plan. Surrendering control allows us to experience true freedom, peace, and the abundant life that comes from aligning our will with God’s will.
Cultivating a God-centered perspective requires intentional practices such as seeking God’s Word, prayer and reflection, surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers, and surrendering control. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, communicating with God through prayer, engaging in fellowship with other believers, and surrendering our desires and plans to Him, we can develop a perspective that aligns with God’s heart. As we continually prioritize Him and invite His presence into every area of our lives, we will experience a transformation that brings clarity, purpose, and peace. May we seek to cultivate a God-centered perspective in all that we do, allowing His truth and love to shape our thoughts, actions, and priorities.
Read also: Who is a Christian woman?
Conclusion
In a world where the opinions of others often hold significant influence, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of elevating people above God. By intentionally cultivating a God-centered perspective through Scripture, prayer, community, and surrender, we can regain balance and restore God to His rightful place at the center of our lives. As we continuously seek to align our priorities with His divine will, we will experience a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment in our faith journey. Remember, it is when God is big and people are small that we find true joy and live out our God-given purpose.
