Being

Understanding God and Ourselves: Bridging the Gap for Genuine Worship

In this week’s episode of Heart of the Matter, host Shawn McCraney delves into the contrasting perceptions of God and humanity, particularly from the perspectives of those coming out of Mormonism and into Christianity. McCraney reflects on his own journey, highlighting how he once viewed God as a distant, elevated human figure rather than the eternal, uncreated being that He truly is. This misunderstanding can lead to a lack of genuine devotion and worship.

The show emphasizes two primary disconnects that can affect a person’s relationship with God: seeing God as less than He is and viewing oneself as more than one truly is. When individuals perceive God as casual or relatable, it diminishes the reverence and awe that should accompany worship. Conversely, when people overestimate their own goodness, they may fail to recognize their need for God’s grace and mercy.

McCraney introduces the concept of God as the “Supreme Being,” contrasting this with the term “human being.” He explains that while God is unchanging and eternal, humans are in a constant state of becoming, never fully arriving at a state of being. This distinction underscores the limitations of humanity compared to the infinite nature of God.

The discussion also touches on the implications of these perceptions for one’s afterlife, suggesting that our choices in this life, influenced by our understanding of God and ourselves, will determine our eternal status. The episode invites viewers to reflect on their own views of God and encourages them to engage in the conversation by leaving comments for discussion in the next show.